Talib Shakir, director of the D.C. Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, died Friday evening following a two-electric-scooter collision at an intersection in Southeast Washington according to local officials.
First District officers responded at approximately 6:47 p.m. to the intersection of 8th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast following reports of a crash between two adult scooter operators inside the intersection. A Friday evening collision involving two electric scooters at a Capitol Hill intersection claimed the life of 50-year-old Talib Shakir, who directed the city’s office supporting formerly incarcerated residents according to police and mayoral statements.
Shakir was unconscious and not breathing at the scene and was pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts at the medical facility. First responders from DC Fire and EMS transported both riders to a local hospital. The female operator of the second scooter was treated for her injuries and subsequently released from the hospital. Metropolitan Police Department representatives stated that neither driver wore a helmet at the time of the impact.
Talib Shakir Leads Reintegration Work
Shakir grew up in Washington, D.C., and served 25 years in federal prison following a 1993 murder conviction before returning to the city in February 2019. Before taking charge of the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA) during the final phase of the Bowser administration as noted by municipal records, he worked as deputy director of community relations for the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services.
He documented his transition in a published volume titled From Cell Block to City Hall: How Lived Experience Becomes the Most Powerful Policy Tool in America
. MORCA coordinates support for the 2,000 to 2,500 individuals returning to D.C. each year after completing prison sentences according to data from the D.C. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
“Through his work in public service, most recently leading the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, Talib was committed to creating opportunity for DC residents. Talib made the most of his second chance and dedicated himself to helping others do the same.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Executive Office of the Mayor via Fox 5 DC
City Leadership Shares Tributes After Crash
Mayor Muriel Bowser and municipal officials released statements emphasizing Shakir’s dedication to youth mentorship and community inclusion. Tomás Talamante, Bowser’s chief of staff, posted on social media that Shakir was among the kindest and most selfless individuals he had ever encountered following the announcement of his death. The D.C. Council issued a joint statement calling his passing a terrible tragedy while highlighting the challenging nature of his government portfolio.
“We are so grateful for the energy and love he poured into doing just that for the city where he was born, raised, and served. We share our love, condolences, and prayers with Talib’s family and loved ones, the entire MORCA team, and all the members of our community relations teams who loved and learned from Talib.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Executive Office of the Mayor via Fox 5 DC
Metropolitan Police Department Investigates Fatal Collision
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Unit is leading the investigation into the Friday evening collision near Eastern Market. Authorities have not yet determined the specific cause of the crash, whether mechanical factors contributed, or if either operator was traveling at excessive speed according to police updates.
Fatalities on District roadways have reached 33 as of Oct. 10, outpacing the 17 recorded during the same period in 2025. Local residents interviewed near the crash site voiced ongoing concerns regarding sidewalk riding, lack of helmet use, and pedestrian safety involving scooters across Capitol Hill.