AUSTIN, Texas — Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) is urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the Austin Police Department (APD) for what he said is a possible pattern of "excessive and lethal use of force ... particularly against communities of color and those with mental health conditions."
Casar, who represents parts of Austin and San Antonio, said he has "serious concerns" about "violations of individuals' constitutional and civil rights."
On Dec. 4, Travis County District Attorney José Garza, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Interim City Manager Jesús Garza sent a letter to the DOJ requesting that the department investigate APD's actions during the social justice protests of 2020. At the same time, Garza is dropping 17 cases against APD officers who were facing charges for their alleged conduct during those protests.
On Friday, Casar sent his own letter to the DOJ, saying in part, "A federal pattern-or-practice investigation into civil rights violations by the Austin Police Department, particularly of the department's policing of communities of color, people with mental health conditions, and those exercising their First Amendment rights, is both necessary and long overdue."
In a statement to KVUE, Austin Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said the city would welcome a review by the DOJ.
“I believe it important to note that since the time of the 2020 protests, the City has implemented numerous policy and procedure changes,” Garza said. “We welcome a review by the DOJ in that regard to ensure we are moving forward as a community and as a Police Department in the right direction.”
During the 2020 protests, APD officers fired what are called "bean bag rounds" from "less lethal shotguns" as a means of crowd control. Several people were seriously injured.
Since 2020, the City of Austin has settled cases with injured protesters for a total of about $20 million.
KVUE also reached out to the DOJ and APD. We have not yet heard back.