A man who previously worked as a bodyguard for Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) was shot and killed during a chaotic SWAT standoff in Dallas after a police chase.
The man, known by the alias Mike King, died Wednesday night after police confronted him inside a hospital parking garage.
Authorities say the situation unfolded shortly before midnight when officers attempted to stop King, who was reportedly wanted for impersonating a police officer.
Police say King fled from officers and drove into the parking garage at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Once inside the structure, he barricaded himself inside his vehicle, triggering a tense standoff with law enforcement.
Officers deployed tear gas in an effort to force him out of the car.
According to police, King eventually exited the vehicle but pulled out a firearm during the confrontation.
Officers then opened fire, killing him at the scene.
Investigators say King had been under investigation and was being tracked by police in the hours leading up to the standoff.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how long he had been wanted.
King reportedly operated a company called Off Duty Police Services, which arranged off-duty security jobs for police officers.
Officials say he was accused of impersonating law enforcement while running the business.
Investigators also allege he drove a replica undercover police vehicle using stolen license plates while recruiting officers for security work.
Despite not being a sworn officer, King had worked multiple private security jobs, per the Daily Mail.
That included serving on security details connected to Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Sources said King helped organize security at several of Crockett’s campaign events in both Washington, D.C., and Texas.
He was frequently seen accompanying the congresswoman during public appearances and campaign stops.
Documents reportedly show a person using the name Mike King was paid by Crockett’s campaign for security services as recently as last year.
Officials say King was hired despite reports that he had a criminal history.
Details about his background have not yet been fully released.
The congresswoman’s office has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
King’s connection to Crockett’s campaign has drawn additional attention because of tensions between the campaign and journalists covering her events.
In late February, Crockett’s campaign called the police on both a CNN reporter and a correspondent from The Atlantic during campaign rallies.
Both journalists were escorted away from the events after disputes with campaign staff.
King was reportedly involved in organizing security at several of those events.
The incident comes shortly after Crockett suffered a political defeat in Texas.
Earlier this month, she lost the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate to state Representative James Talarico.
Talarico won the race with 52.4 % of the vote compared to Crockett’s 46.2 %.
Following the loss, Crockett argued that voting changes in parts of Texas caused confusion and unfairly impacted voters.
She accused Republicans of targeting certain areas and interfering with the election process.
Despite the political fallout, the SWAT standoff involving her former bodyguard is now drawing renewed attention to individuals connected to her campaign.
