Protesters Urged To Report Police Abuse: Travis County DA

AUSTIN, TX — Amid growing ire over police abuse, the Travis County district attorney on Tuesday urged protesters to report brutality by law enforcement among those feeling victimized.

"Over the last few days, we have been confronted by hideous examples of deep racism and discrimination that continue to plague our country," Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore said in a prepared statement. "I was sickened and horrified by the death of George Floyd. I denounce his death at the hands of a police officer and offer my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones during this incredibly painful time."

Floyd died in Minneapolis last week after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparking protests over police brutality across the U.S. — including in Austin, where mass demonstrations took place over the weekend. Floyd was put face down on the pavement as officers restrained him after a caller reported he may have tried to use a counterfeit bill in making a purchase at a convenience store.

"As your district attorney, I am charged with keeping our community safe by seeking justice for everyone regardless of skin color, immigration status, or ZIP code," Moore said. "I strongly believe in the first amendment right of citizens to protest. However, I do not support the destruction of property. Additionally, any violence and unnecessary force by police officers against peaceful protesters is not tolerable."

Related coverage:

• Protesters Swarm Downtown Austin Despite Rally Cancellation
• 3 Hospitalized After Austin Protests Against Police
• Texas Gov Declares State 'Disaster Area' Over Protests
• Austin Police Make 30-Plus Arrests In 24 Hours Amid Protests
  
• No Active Shooter At Lakeline Mall: Austin Police
• Austin-Area Stores Looted As Protests Continue
• Mother Of Austin Man Fatally Shot By Police Seeks Justice
  
• Austin Officer-Involved Shooting Case Headed To Grand Jury
• Man Dies In South Austin Officer-Involved Shooting
• Cops In Fatal South Austin Shooting Identified
• Austin Police Vow To Release Officer-Involved Shooting Video
• No Gun Found On Suspect Killed By Austin Police

Her message comes in the wake of injuries sustained by three protesters — all people of color — over the weekend at the hands of police. A 20-year-old man was struck in the head with an impact munition, causing him to fall on the concrete in aggravating the injury, Austin Police Department Chief Brian Manley confirmed this week. The man is currently in critical condition at an area hospital. Two others were hospitalized after being hit with non-lethal munitions, including a Hispanic teenager was hit in the forehead and an pregnant African American woman who was hit in the belly.

"There have been many graphic photos which appear to depict peaceful protesters being attacked by officers," Moore said, urging demonstrators to report such incidents. "If you feel your rights have been violated by a police officer, please file an official complaint with the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) in order to initiate a formal investigation. The OPO provides impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department and its officers."

No person is above the law, Moore added. "The Civil Rights Unit within the District Attorney’s Office keeps police officers accountable," she said. "We insist on thorough investigations, maximum transparency and impeccable fairness when it comes to officer-involved cases. The Unit is tasked with building community confidence in the way we handle these cases."

In addition to demonstrating over Floyd's death, Austin protesters have condemned the fatal shooting of Michael Ramos, 42, by an Austin Police Department officer. A caller reported Ramos as brandishing a firearm while outside an apartment complex, prompting a robust police response. After a brief standoff during which Ramos showed police his empty waistband, the man was first shot with a beanbag projectile before a second officer fired at him as he fled. Ramos was found dead in his vehicle, and no gun was found.

On May 29, Moore announced she would have a special grand jury investigate the case — a departure for her office that invariably opts not to pursue charges against officers involved in shootings, effectively clearing them of culpability in finding justifiable use of deadly force. It's unclear if the timing of Moore's decision to have a grand jury empaneled for the Ramos case in the wake of Floyd's killing played a factor.

"Following a review of the case with my civil rights director, we determined the officer-involved shooting death of Michael Ramos of Austin will be presented to a special Grand Jury," Moore reminded. "This speaks to our work to address violence and brutality against members of our community. In order to keep our Civil Rights Unit accountable to the public, a Civil Rights Advisory Council was developed. This council is made up of Black and Hispanic community leaders including, NAACP Austin President Nelson Linder, LULAC leader Linda Chavez, and Austin Justice Coalition Executive Director Chas Moore, among others."

She vowed the case would be honestly assessed regardless of the outcome: "While I cannot guarantee the outcome of these cases — no honest prosecutor can guarantee convictions — I can guarantee that the process will be meticulously fair. And the decisions made, will be explained to this community," she said.

Moore offered a personal note in ending her announcement: "As a Caucasian woman, I know we have to look within ourselves to begin to address the unfairness and injustice that is evident in our history. I see you, and hear you, and I am ready to work alongside you."