Robinson’s former chief of staff shot on New Year’s Eve

Krishana Polite was struck in the neck by a bullet

Krishana Polite, former chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, was shot on New Year's Eve. (Courtesy nc.gov)

RALEIGH — The chief of staff for former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was struck in the neck by stray gunfire as she was leaving a New Year’s Eve church service in Winston-Salem.

Krishana Polite, the first black woman to hold the chief of staff position, was reportedly hit by celebratory gunfire in the area.

She was assisted by bystanders before being transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where she was treated for the wound and discharged 24 hours later. Further tests are being conducted to assess potential nerve damage.

In a statement issued to Facebook, the Frederick Douglass Foundation of North Carolina (FDFNC) criticized both local and state media for largely ignoring the incident, especially given her prominence in public service and leadership.

The FDFNC also expressed concern about the lack of attention to violence against black women and leaders of color, particularly those who align with the Republican Party.

In the statement, FDFNC President Immanuel Jarvis remarked on the importance of Polite’s work in advocating for equity and representation.

“Krishana Polite has broken barriers and served as a beacon of hope for so many in our community,” said Jarvis. “The lack of media coverage surrounding this shooting not only dismisses the seriousness of the attack but also perpetuates a disturbing trend of neglecting stories that center Black women and leaders of color who happen to be Republicans.”

The organization is calling for transparency in the investigation and more comprehensive media coverage to ensure that the gravity of the incident is properly addressed.

The FDFNC is urging local and state media outlets to take responsibility by reporting on the progress of the investigation, addressing the broader implications of violence against women, and committing to more equitable coverage.

The foundation also stressed that the silence around this event sends a troubling message about whose stories are prioritized in the media.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Polite with medical costs during her recovery.

About A.P. Dillon 1536 Articles
A.P. Dillon is a North State Journal reporter located near Raleigh, North Carolina. Find her on Twitter: @APDillon_