26-year-old Jemel Roberson was shot dead by police in Chicago this month. As reported by Chicago's local CBS News, Roberson was a security guard who attempted to thwart an active shooter at Manny’s Blue Room Lounge. As a security guard, Roberson was licensed to carry a weapon, and subdued the gunman. When Midlothian police arrived, they shot and killed Roberson instead of the gunman he stopped. He was the father of a 9-month old son named Tristan, while his girlfriend is currently pregnant.
Kanye West has been spending some time in Chicago lately, and TMZ reports that the story of Roberson's death shook the rapper. Roberson's family set up a GoFundMe for his funeral arrangements and other support, with a goal of $10,000 in mind. West donated $150,000 to Roberson's family on Friday, surpassing their goal. The sum will take care of any funeral costs and will also help to support Roberson's girlfriend through her pregnancy. Unfortunately, nothing will bring Jemel back from the grave. The shooting is currently under investigation, but the Midlothian are refusing to release the identity of the shooter. According to USA Today, Roberson's family lawyer is threatening to release the name to the public if the police do not. He believes they are allowing the shooter enough time to clean up his social media so that when the media starts digging, there's no dirt to find.