What Happened at Manny’s Blue Room?
In the wee hours of Sunday, a routine night at Manny’s Blue Room Lounge in Robbins turned into a scene straight out of a bad dream. A 26‑year‑old security guard, Jemel Roberson, was on duty when an argument broke out and an on‑look‑er started firing.
Everything Went Wrong
While Jemel tried to stop the chaos, a nearby Midlothian police officer blew the wrong trigger—shot the guy in the back—despite him wearing a security outfit that screamed “you’ve got this!”
- Four other people were grazed by the shots, but none were seriously hurt.
- Jemel’s life was gone before anyone could say good‑bye.
The Investigation Begins
The Illinois State Police are looking into the incident. The officer in question, confirmed to be white, has been put on administrative leave while the inquiry unfolds. No official name has been released yet, but the focus is on keeping the public trust intact.
Officer Daniel Delaney Speaks Up
“Jemel was a brave man who did his best to stop an active shooter,” said Midlothian Police Chief Daniel Delaney. He’s leading a team of 34, and he’s stressing the importance of transparency. “We’re all heart‑broken and can’t stop thinking of Jemel and his loved ones,” he added.
Family Takes Legal Action
Jemel’s family isn’t taking this silent. They’ve filed a lawsuit against the village of Midlothian and the unnamed officer, claiming the shooting was excessive and unreasonable. No settlement yet, but the case is rolling.
Community Rallying Together
An online GoFundMe campaign went viral, raking in over US$90,000 in less than a day—almost twice the amount in the first 24 hours—to cover funeral expenses. The money swelled the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers who just wanted to show that they care.
Why This Matters
Jemel’s tragic death is yet another sombre reminder of the deadly tension between law enforcement and African Americans—a tension that fuels the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s a sobering note in an already heavy playlist of police‑related tragedies in America.
