DA drops most charges against Austin TX police officers accused of excessive force in 2020 protests

girlfreddy , 6 months ago

Found out why …

DA José Garza, who had never been a DA before, was elected in Jan 2021 promising to “end the over-prosecution of the poor and people of color”. Three weeks later the first of many indictments/prosecutions against cops began, and he decided against giving the chief a head’s up call. Shit hit the fan and the chief retired.

But the feud between the cops, the DA and his staff had begun. 19 prosecutors resigned and Garza has fired a few more.

But the biggest reason may be that he will soon start his re-election campaign and without the cop vote he won’t win.

Source

crusa187 , 6 months ago

I was there, and still remember them cracking open some kid’s skull with their “non-lethal” bean bag rifles as we protested police brutality. Of course, they were either going to get off scott free, or get a new job up the road in cedar park. ACAB.

Thteven , 6 months ago

Classic. Wait 3.5 years and then drop the charges when you think no one is paying attention anymore.

be_excellent_to_each_other , 6 months ago

It's a smart play. Anything going to come of this other than angry comments on messageboards from folks such as ourselves? Nope.

Thteven , 6 months ago

Well at least we all know to come prepared for a non-peaceful protest next time since theres no consequences for police brutality even at a protest against police brutality.

Cops arent trained for de-escalation, they apply increasing amounts of force until they get their way. Doing that on a mass scale enough just backs the public into a corner where they feel that violence against the police is their only recourse. The cops are going to be real fuckin surprised the next time a mass protest like that breaks out again, I don’t think they realize how much goodwill they lost.

be_excellent_to_each_other , 6 months ago

IIRC during 2020 they made it (or it already was) probable cause to detain if you had any defensive gear at all, even just mask and shield. God forbid you'd be someone who just wants to be able to protect yourself from teargas or other wrongful attack by police (or, plausibly, protestors) because you happen to exist near a protest.

Thteven , 6 months ago

Cool, so if I see them coming my way I already know to defend myself.