Dream Johnson, A Black Trans Woman, Was Killed In Washington, DC
Authorities say they have no reason to believe the shooting was “motivated by hate or bias.”
Dream Johnson, a 28-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in Washington, DC around 12:30 am on Saturday, July 5, police have announced.
In a police report obtained by the Washington Blade, authorities did not identify Johnson as transgender, nor did they list the shooting as a suspected hate crime. It wasn’t until Vanna Terell, a local LGBTQ+ activist, came forward that Johnson’s story was told.
Terell, who identified herself as Johnson’s aunt, told the Blade that Johnson planned to legally change her name to Dream, rather than her deadname, which police used in their reports.
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Terell said she learned about the shooting from two teenage high school students, who knew Johnson’s brother and allegedly witnessed the shooting. Terell said the teens contacted a friend, telling them they recognized Johnson. The witnesses informed Terell they saw three men approach Johnson as she walked along Benning Road, where one of them called Terell a derogatory name. The witnesses told her that the man who spoke to Johnson kept shooting her until all the bullets were fired.
Having been shot multiple times, Johnson lay unconscious on the 2000 block of Benning Road, before she was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
A police spokesperson told the Blade in a statement, “At this point there is nothing in the investigation that indicates the offense was motivated by hate or bias.”
“We cannot allow this pattern of violence against trans people – and especially trans women of color – to continue. No one should live in fear for being themselves,” said GLAAD in a statement about Johnson.
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According to GLAAD, 52% of all anti-LGBTQ+ incidents tracked by the organization target trans members of our community. HRC reports that fatal violence against transgender and gender-nonconforming people disproportionately affects People of Color. Since 2013, 61% of victims of fatal violence towards TGNC people were transgender Women of Color, according to HRC.
DC authorities are offering a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for Johnson’s death. A flyer obtained by the Blade says Homicide Detective Natasha Kennedy is urgently seeking tips and asks anyone with information to call her immediately at (202) 380-6189.
A memorial gathering to honor Johnson’s life will take place on Saturday, July 12, at River Terrace Park, located at 500 36th St. N.E., near the site of the shooting.
Dream Johnson’s life was tragically cut short, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the community she touched. Her story is a powerful reminder to us that we must continue to call for unity, compassion, and collectively fight against hate.
