David Robinson II, a retired Army veteran from South Carolina, has announced his candidacy for Congress while he continues his tireless search for his missing son, geologist Daniel Robinson. This decision comes after years of relentless efforts to uncover the truth behind Daniel’s mysterious disappearance from a well site in Arizona. Robinson’s campaign centers on addressing the broader issue of missing persons in the United States, driven by his personal journey and the connections he’s made with other families facing similar tragedies.
David Robinson’s story is one of dedication and service. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he sold his trucking business to join the Army, where he served two tours in Afghanistan as a combat engineer. His military career ended following injuries from an IED blast. Back in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, he established a new business. However, his life took a dramatic turn when his son Daniel vanished without a trace.
The call from Arizona that changed Robinson’s life came on a seemingly ordinary day. His daughter informed him of Daniel’s disappearance, prompting him to head to the Sonoran Desert in search of answers. The search for Daniel, who vanished from a remote job site in June 2021, has been arduous and emotionally taxing. Despite extensive efforts, including meetings with telecommunications companies and law enforcement agencies, there have been few breakthroughs.
Robinson’s frustration with the current policies and procedures for handling missing persons cases has fueled his congressional campaign. He has encountered numerous obstacles, such as the difficulty in accessing crucial phone records without a warrant, which can delay investigations. Robinson advocates for legislative changes that would allow account holders or their families to obtain data more readily, especially in emergencies. He emphasizes the need for improved data retention policies to prevent the loss of vital information.
“One of the biggest challenges is dealing with telecommunications companies,” Robinson explained. “They usually require a warrant before providing information like cellphone pings, which can be crucial in the early stages of a missing persons case. By the time we get the necessary legal documentation, it can often be too late.”
Robinson’s proposal includes legislation to streamline the process for obtaining phone records in missing persons cases. He suggests allowing the person paying the bill or the account holder’s immediate family to access this data promptly, with safeguards to protect against misuse, particularly in cases involving domestic violence.
In addition to his focus on missing persons, Robinson’s campaign addresses other critical issues, including education, prescription drug costs, abortion, and climate change. He believes his diverse experiences and firsthand knowledge of systemic shortcomings can drive meaningful reforms.
“My time in the military taught me the importance of resilience and determination,” Robinson said. “These qualities are essential not just in combat but also in addressing the pressing issues our nation faces today. We need to ensure our education system provides equal opportunities for all students, make prescription drugs affordable, protect reproductive rights, and take decisive action on climate change.”
Robinson’s campaign faces significant challenges. He is running as a Democrat in a district that has consistently elected a Republican representative since 1965. The seat is currently held by Rep. Joe Wilson, an Army veteran who has been in office since 2001. Both men will compete in their respective parties’ primary elections on June 11.
Despite the odds, Robinson remains determined. He draws strength from the community of families he has met through his journey, including those of Gabby Petito and Dylan Rounds, who also vanished under suspicious circumstances. Together, they share insights and support each other in their quests for justice.
Robinson’s search for Daniel has not only shaped his political ambitions but also deepened his understanding of the systemic issues that hinder missing persons investigations. He has become an advocate for policy changes that could save lives and bring closure to countless families across the country.
“The policies and laws in place right now actually hurt efforts to find missing Americans,” Robinson said. “There’s a lack of coordination between agencies, and critical data is often not retained long enough to be useful in investigations. We need to change that.”
One of the most poignant moments in Robinson’s journey came when he found himself in meetings with law enforcement agencies and telecommunications companies, advocating not just for his son, but for all missing persons. He learned the ins and outs of the bureaucratic processes that often hinder these investigations and has become a voice for change.
“The current system is reactive, not proactive,” he noted. “We need to ensure that families have access to information quickly and that law enforcement can act without unnecessary delays. This isn’t just about my son; it’s about every family that has experienced this kind of heartache.”
The unresolved case of Daniel Robinson continues to weigh heavily on Robinson and his family. Daniel’s Jeep was found nearly a month after he went missing, with no clear signs of foul play. The vehicle, discovered in a ravine with significant damage, contained Daniel’s phone, work computer, and personal belongings, but no cash was found in his wallet. The lack of evidence and the delay in discovering the Jeep have made the investigation particularly challenging.
“Finding the Jeep was a turning point,” Robinson recalled. “It provided some clues, but it also raised more questions. The absence of clear evidence of foul play has made it difficult for law enforcement to classify the case and take certain actions. We need policies that allow for more flexibility in such cases.”
Robinson’s proposed legislative changes aim to address these challenges head-on. He advocates for policies that make it easier for families to access crucial information and improve law enforcement’s ability to act swiftly in missing persons cases. These changes, he believes, are essential to preventing other families from enduring the same hardships.
Robinson also emphasizes the importance of data retention in missing persons cases. He points out that if police don’t get a warrant in time, crucial information might be lost, hindering the investigation.
“Data retention is a critical issue,” he said. “We need to ensure that important information is preserved long enough to be useful. This means setting standards for how long telecommunications companies and other entities must keep data, especially in cases involving missing persons.”
As Robinson campaigns for Congress, he continues to balance his political ambitions with his ongoing search for Daniel. His journey has brought him to the forefront of a broader movement, highlighting the gaps in the current system and advocating for those who are often overlooked. His story is a testament to resilience and the unyielding pursuit of justice, both for his son and for countless other missing Americans.
In his speeches and public appearances, Robinson often speaks about the need for a compassionate approach to policy-making. He believes that his experiences have given him a unique perspective that will benefit his constituents and the nation as a whole.
“We need leaders who understand the real-world impact of the laws we pass,” he said. “I’ve seen firsthand how bureaucratic obstacles can delay justice and how systemic issues can compound personal tragedies. I’m running for Congress to bring about the changes we so desperately need.”
Robinson’s campaign has garnered attention from both local and national media, drawing support from various advocacy groups and individuals who have experienced similar losses. His message resonates with many who feel that the current system is failing those in need.
“We are stronger together,” Robinson stated. “By sharing our stories and working collectively, we can drive the change that’s needed. My campaign is not just about winning an election; it’s about building a movement that prioritizes the needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable.”
As the primary election approaches, Robinson remains focused on his dual mission: to find his son and to serve his community in Congress. His determination and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire those around him.
David Robinson II’s journey from a devoted father and Army veteran to a congressional candidate exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of fighting for what is right. His campaign promises to bring much-needed attention to the issue of missing persons and to advocate for policies that protect and support all Americans.
