D.C. community holds candlelight vigil for Julian Bailey, man shot by U.S. Marshal

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By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

Family members, residents and activists with the advocacy group Free DC held a candlelight vigil in memory of Julian Marquette Bailey on Monday, Feb. 16. The ceremony came following Bailey’s Feb. 11 death at the hands of U.S. Marshals.

Bailey, a native of Northeast (NE) D.C., was 43 years old. 

“He was an amazing man. He was an amazing father. He was an amazing son. He was an amazing member of the community. Julian deserves justice,” said NeeNee Taylor, co-founder of Free DC and Harriet’s Wildest Dreams. 

Bailey was shot by U.S. Marshals following a call alleging a dispute at a convenience store on Kenilworth Terrace and Hayes Street NE. The Metropolitan Police received a call around 2:10 p.m. EST about a “man making threats with a gun.” 

Sixth District officers arrived at the scene to speak with the alleged victim. 

Members of U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Marshal Service found Bailey on the 3700 block of Hayes Street NE, according to Metropolitan Police. A marshal was responsible for opening fire on Bailey. There is currently no available information on the altercation between law enforcement and Bailey that led to the shooting.

The AFRO reached out to U.S. Marshal Service for comment. The Marshal Service told the AFRO that the Metropolitan Police will be handling the case. The Metropolitan Police said that they are still investigating, but currently have any further information to disclose.

Park Police and Metropolitan Police claim no involvement in the shooting. 

Marshals have been patrolling D.C. for roughly six months as a part of the 47th president’s plan to flood the district with federal officers and members of the National Guard in the name of fighting crime that was already down, according to District leaders. 

Bailey’s father, sisters, child and cousin also spoke at the vigil, highlighting the type of man Bailey was and the violence too many Black men face at the hands of law enforcement. 

“Julian was a good son,” said Julian’s mother, Gloria Bailey, still reeling from the brutal reality of her son’s death. 

“I’m really trying to understand this,” she said. “You see things on TV, but you never think that it’s going to happen to your family.”