Men Shot While Delivering Furniture To Homeland Security Director’s Home


ACCOKEEK, Md. — A fight over a scratched headboard appears to have led to a double shooting that happened at the home of the Prince George’s County director of Homeland Security.

Brandon Clark, 22, of Oxon Hill, and his cousin Robert White, 36, of Southeast, were shot Wednesday while attempting to deliver furniture to the home in Accokeek, police said.

Police said the men got into a dispute with Cpl. Keith Washington, a 16-year veteran of the department, shortly before 8 p.m. in the 1500 block of Shelford Lane.

The argument escalated to a fight, which ended in gunfire, News4’s Pat Collins reported.

White, 36, has faced numerous criminal charges in South Carolina, including assault with intent to kill, Collins reported.

Clark’s father said his son has never been in trouble like this before. He also said that his son said that Washington became upset because he was dissatisfied with his headboard.

“The only thing that I got from other people, he said that Mr. Washington was upset about his headboard and his bed,” said Christopher Furbush, Clark’s father.

Police said Washington decided to shoot the men in self-defense.

“Fearing for his life, he discharged his service weapon. Both of the men were shot in the upper body,” said Lt. April Delabrer of Prince George’s County police.

Furbush said he is not sure he totally believes that argument.

“To me and my knowledge, it don’t sound right. It don’t sound right, period,” he said. “The only thing I can say is I think that Mr. Washington was wrong because my son, he doesn’t believe in getting in there and jumping up into nobody face.”

Michael Winkelman, an attorney representing Clark and White, said the deliverymen called their boss to seek guidance on how to deal with Washington.

“He was apparently very upset with the delivery. We have no information to believe he was upset with the gentleman. He was upset with the delivery and the exchange. They called their supervisors and were advised to simply provide the officer with the exchanged items and leave,” said Winkelman.

Officials said Washington also was injured, but his injuries are not life-threatening. He was treated at a local hospital and released.

Clark and White are recovering at an area hospital.

Charges have not been filed in the case.

Collins reported that Washington was the subject of an excessive force civil rights case about six years ago.

In a statement released on Thursday, Marlo Furniture said, “We at Marlo Furniture are saddened by the news of the tragic incident in Accokeek last night. We shall assist in the investigation that is under way. Our priority is the welfare of those who have been injured.”