Police are looking into the possibility of the incident being an armed robbery or an attempted carjacking. They said they recovered the firearm in the 700 block of 10th Street NE — regarding a block south of the scene of the shooting — and were looking for two juveniles with shoulder-length dreadlocks. One was wearing a black or brown shirt with yellow smiley faces on it. No further details were immediately available.
“We have been made aware that Brian Robinson Jr. was the victim of an attempted armed robbery or carjacking in Washington, D.C.,” the Commanders said in a statement Sunday night. “He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated at the hospital, where team officials are on site with him. We ask that you please respect Brian’s privacy at this time.”
Coach Ron Rivera was among the Commanders’ contingent with Robinson at the hospital. Team owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder, President Jason Wright, General Manager Martin Mayhew, chief medical officer Tony Casolaro and director of mental wellness Barbara Roberts also were with Robinson and his family.
“I just got done visiting [with] Brian,” Rivera tweeted Sunday night. “He is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers & support. He wants his teammates to know he appreciates them all for reaching out and he loves them all & will be back soon doing what he does best.”
I just got done visiting w/Brian. He is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers & support. He wants his teammates to know he appreciates them all for reaching out and he loves them all & will be back soon doing what he does best.
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) August 29, 2022
Robinson, 23, was drafted by the Commanders in the third round this year out of Alabama. He finished his college career tied for 10th in Crimson Tide history with 29 rushing touchdowns and 11th with 2,704 rushing yards. He impressed throughout the offseason with the Commanders, so much so that he had been expected to take on a large role in the offense when the regular season begins Sept. 11.
The rookie traveled with the Commanders to their final preseason game in Baltimore on Saturday but did not play, along with the team’s starters. During limited playing time in the first two preseason games, Robinson totaled 14 carries for 57 yards and one touchdown, plus two catches for 15 yards.
“Brian’s been great,” offensive coordinator Scott Turner said during the preseason. “He’s a real serious guy. Football is extremely important to him. He takes a lot of pride in being a physical runner. … I think he’ll continue to get better, too, as the reps increase.”