Support Officer Donald McKinney’s Journey to Healing

There have been many greatly impacted by the sudden loss of an amazing person, son and husband, Officer Tuan Le. I would like to share insight of how a brotherhood’s journey senselessly ended far too soon and how its trauma has changed the life and health of the surviving Officer, Donald McKinney.

My name is Anna, and I am the wife of Officer Donald McKinney. In addition to being a loving husband and an officer for the City of Oakland, McKinney also serves as a Medic for the California Army National Guard and is a devoted father to our six children. Yes, that’s right, six children!

In August of 2019, Donald joined Oakland’s 183rd Police Academy where he and other men and woman were challenged and thoroughly trained over several months. It was during this demanding program that Donald met and immediately connected with classmate Tuan Le. The two of them relied on their friendship and matched dedication to get them successfully through the intensive training throughout the Academy. On February 21, 2020 Donald, Tuan and fellow classmates proudly graduated from the Oakland Police Academy.

In the following years, Donald’s dedication never wavered when serving the City of Oakland. Not only did he take the time to care for the citizens he encountered each day, Donald created opportunities to connect, mentor and support his colleagues. It was these qualities in both Donald and Tuan that continued to flourish their friendship and tighten the bond and trust in one another throughout their career. These two were inseparable and everyone knew it!

On December 29th, 2023, Donald and Tuan partnered together to begin their shift as they did countless times before. Unknowingly, this would be the last time they would work together, the last time they’d sit beside one another. When responding to a burglary call that night, Donald and Tuan were ambushed as they were in their vehicle. Several shots were fired at the two Officers, one striking and killing Tuan. 

I couldn’t begin to put into words the immense anguish Donald has felt since losing his brother. There is also an incredible sense of fear that is constantly present after experiencing such a traumatic event as this. The husband and father the kids and I dropped off for work that night was, in so many ways, not the same person that came home to us following this horrific incident. 

In the past six months, Donald has worked hard at attempting to process and heal from the trauma and loss of his partner and dear friend Tuan. At this time, there is no return to work date set for Donald. He remains under doctors’ care as he navigates his way to obtaining a healthier mental health. The financial burden we’ve acquired during this time has been drastic. I reach out to you because we need your help. As our future remains uncertain, our savings diminishes. We need more time. Donald needs more time. 

Every dollar donated will go directly towards immediately assisting Officer McKinney and our family of eight. We thank each of you for this lifeline as Donald continues to mend his heart and mind.

I ask that you please spread the word for me. Donald has come across countless people in his life and throughout his career as an Officer and Soldier that I possibly couldn’t reach out to everyone on my own. If you know someone that may be able to help, please share his story.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult season.