12/05/2025
For anyone who is new or curious our brother Benji Martin JR walked into WakeMed that day because he was in the middle of a deep mental break after the heartbreaking loss of one of his unborn twins. He went seeking help not conflict, not violence, not harm toward anyone. He showed up with no weapon, no threat, and no intent except to find stability in one of the lowest moments of his life.
But instead of receiving care, by multiple on-site accounts shared with us, Benji was met with force, and an officer pulled his weapon on him despite Benji having none of his own. What should have been a moment of compassion turned into chaos, chaos that did not need to happen.
According to the ambulance call information we have heard referenced, the officer suffered a shot to the leg and shoulder, not the more extreme narrative that parts of the media have pushed. We are not denying anyone's injuries or pain but we refuse to let the truth be distorted, exaggerated, or twisted to shape public opinion before the facts are even seen.
What is happening now feels like an attempt to bury Benji and bury this case before it ever reaches the light of day. No videos have been released. Despite repeated promises, his own attorney has not been shown the footage, even though that is a basic expectation of discovery and due process. And instead of letting the court process play out publicly, his upcoming court date was cancelled and he was indicted behind closed doors, leaving us with more questions and less transparency than ever.
We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for fairness. For due process. For the same rights every person deserves, especially those in moments of mental crisis. What happened to Benji could happen to anyone, and what is happening to him now should alarm everyone.
And so we will not be silent. Tomorrow, Friday 12/5, starting at 12 PM, we will be gathering outside the Raleigh Justice Center to demand transparency, accountability, and truth. We invite anyone who stands for justice to stand with us.
