A fugitive bodyguard employed by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was shot and killed during a chaotic SWAT standoff in Texas on Wednesday night, following a police chase that ended in a hospital parking garage.
Chaotic Standoff Ends in Fatal Shooting
Mike King, who used multiple aliases, died after leading officers into the Children’s Medical Center Dallas parking garage shortly before midnight. Police reported that he barricaded himself inside a vehicle, was forced out by tear gas, and was shot when he pulled a gun on officers. Sources informed CBS News that King was wanted for impersonating a police officer, though officials have not released his real name.
Background of the Fugitive Bodyguard
King operated a business named Off Duty Police Services, which placed police officers in off-duty security jobs. He allegedly drove a replica undercover police car with stolen license plates while recruiting officers and was accused of posing as law enforcement. Despite not being a police officer, King had worked various security roles, including on Rep. Crockett's detail in both Washington DC and Texas.
According to CBS, King was frequently seen by Crockett's side as she campaigned in recent months for the Democratic Party's Senate nomination in Texas, which she lost to James Talarico. Documents show a person named Mike King was paid for 'security services' from Crockett as recently as last year.
Campaign Controversies and Security Issues
King was hired by Crockett despite a reported criminal history, though details remain unclear. His role in her security team aligns with her campaign's reputation for having guards escort journalists out of events and being combative with the press. In late February, Crockett's campaign called police on a CNN reporter and a correspondent with The Atlantic, removing them from campaign rallies.
It is unclear how long Dallas police had been seeking King, but he was reportedly being tracked by investigators before the shooting. Sources told CBS that King organized security at numerous events for Crockett.
Political Context and Election Aftermath
The firebrand Democrat lost her Senate race to Talarico earlier this month, with Talarico securing 52.4 percent of the vote to Crockett's 46.2 percent. Crockett complained that voting irregularities cost her the nomination, accusing Republicans of disenfranchising voters after polling location restrictions led to confusion in Dallas and areas north of Austin.
The State Supreme Court ruled against Crockett's request to extend voting hours in Dallas, where Republican-led changes to polling stations caused residents to be turned away and redirected. Speaking after her loss, Crockett accused Republicans of deliberately targeting Dallas County to slow down election results.
Meanwhile, the Republican race between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton remains unsettled and is headed to a bitter runoff on May 26.
