Shortly after the death of patriarch Phil Robertson, the Robertson family was already facing a terrifying reality behind the scenes. On April 24, 2020, Willie Robertson—son of Phil and star of Duck Dynasty—along with his wife, children, and extended family, were victims of a shocking drive-by shooting at their gated estate in West Monroe, Louisiana.
🎯 The chilling details
At around 3:30 pm, a white Ford F‑250 truck sped by the Robertson property and unleashed 8 to 10 rounds of automatic gunfire. One bullet shattered a bedroom window in the house where Willie’s son, John Luke, his wife Mary Kate, and their infant child were staying. Miraculously, nobody was injured. Willie later recounted:
“It looked like they were just spraying bullets across my property.”
The entire family—including Willie’s wife Korie, daughter Sadie, and her husband Christian Huff—were only inside the home minutes before the attack, seeking shelter from the midday lockdown amid the COVID‑19 pandemic.
🛡️ The suspect and legal response
Within days, police arrested 38‑year‑old Daniel King Jr., charging him with aggravated assault by drive‑by shooting and criminal neglect of a minor. King claimed he was merely testing whether the gun’s safety catch was on, despite having consumed vodka beforehand. His bond was set at $150,000, and he was issued a restraining order that barred him from approaching any Robertson family member.
Subsequently, the Robertson family reportedly filed a civil lawsuit alleging defamation—King had attempted to claim the shooting was unintentional. The court battle that followed only deepened the emotional wounds left by the attack.
💔 Emotional aftermath
Beyond the physical danger, the emotional and psychological impact was profound. The attack compelled the Robertsons to boost their security systems, install more surveillance cameras, and live under heightened anxiety—challenges they were not previously prepared for.
Although Willie and Korie have remained stoic publicly, this event exposed a vulnerability few might imagine possible, even for a famous, wealthy reality-TV family.
🧩 Broader implications
This incident—occurring during a period when the family was already coping with Phil Robertson’s passing—highlights a stark truth:
No one is immune to violence.
Even high-profile individuals can be targeted at their own doorstep—a harsh reminder of the importance of private security and emotional resilience.