Micah Johnson

Mass Murderer

Micah Xavier Johnson and the 2016 Dallas Police Ambush

Overview

Micah Xavier Johnson was the gunman responsible for a carefully planned ambush against law-enforcement officers in downtown Dallas, Texas, on July 7, 2016. Johnson opened fire near the conclusion of a peaceful protest, killing five officers and wounding nine other officers. Two civilians were also injured during the attack. The violence continued into the early hours of July 8, when Johnson was killed during a prolonged standoff with police. The attack occurred around Main Street, Lamar Street and the El Centro College campus in central Dallas. Johnson moved between firing positions and used the surrounding streets, buildings and elevated areas for cover. Investigators concluded that he acted alone, although the confusion created by echoes between buildings initially led authorities to suspect that several gunmen might have been involved.

Background of Micah Johnson

Micah Xavier Johnson was born on August 17, 1990, and lived in Mesquite, Texas, near Dallas. He graduated from John Horn High School in 2009 and participated in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program while attending school. Johnson enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in March 2009. He served as a carpentry and masonry specialist and attained the rank of private first class. From November 2013 until July 2014, he was deployed to Afghanistan with the 420th Engineer Brigade. His military service ended in April 2015. During his deployment, Johnson was accused of sexually harassing a female soldier. The allegation resulted in his removal from Afghanistan and the initiation of military proceedings. Although the Army initially sought a more severe separation, Johnson ultimately received an honorable discharge. After returning to Texas, he reportedly became increasingly interested in military tactics, firearms and militant political material.

The July 7 Protest

On the evening of July 7, 2016, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Dallas for a demonstration addressing police use of force. The protest followed the deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, on July 6. Both men had been killed during encounters with police officers. The Dallas demonstration remained peaceful as marchers traveled through the downtown area. Approximately 100 officers from the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department were assigned to protect the participants, direct traffic and maintain security. Photographs taken before the shooting showed protesters and officers speaking calmly with one another. Johnson was not identified as an organizer or participant in the protest. Authorities determined that he used the gathering as an opportunity to target the large number of officers stationed along the march route. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Lorne Ahrens 48 yr old Male

Dallas Shooter Micah Johnson Was Army Veteran and 'Loner'