Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting the U.S. Department of Justice investigate the Antioch Police Department (APD) in Antioch, California following extremely troubling reports of racist, homophobic, and illegal conduct by law enforcement officers, demonstrating a pattern of unconstitutional discrimination, use of force, and violations of the constitutional rights of Antioch citizens.
“There is no room for hatred or bigotry in our community,” Garamendi said. “The despicable, racist, and immoral statements made by Antioch Police Department officers must be thoroughly investigated by the United States Department of Justice.
“The recent joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office showed that at least 45 officers were involved in exchanging disturbing text messages, which is over half of the total 99 sworn officers currently employed by the Antioch Police Department,” Garamendi continued.
“The unconscionable messages promising a ‘free prime rib dinner’ to anyone who shoots Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe with rubber bullets is yet another, somber example of the additional risks Black elected officials endure throughout America as they answer the call to serve their community,” Garamendi continued. “The vile characterizations of Black residents as gorillas paint a clear picture of a systemic culture of racism, intolerance, and cruelty at the Antioch Police Department that is unacceptable for those sworn to protect and serve their community.
“Our sympathies are with the residents of Antioch who have been threatened and betrayed by these officers. We stand with them in calling for accountability and action in this matter,” Garamendi concluded.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
Previous Stories:
- April 19: Antioch City Council Agrees to Move Forward With Police Audits
- April 17: Second DA Report Leaked Includes Antioch Police Text Messages
- April 13: Contra Costa DA Releases Antioch Police Text Messages
- April 13: Antioch Police Chief Statement on Inappropriate Text Messages
- April 9: Mayor Calls For Audit After Antioch Officers Sent Racists Text
- April 7: Becton Issues Statement on Disclosure of Racist Texts in Felony Case
- March 31: Antioch POA and Attorney Mike Rains Respond to Antioch Mayor
- March 30: Antioch Police Chief Issues Open Letter to Community
- March 30: Antioch Mayor Holds Press Conference on New Police Investigation
2 comments
Oh good god. spend a bunch of money to do an investigation of the investigation. These politicians are just looking for ways to piss away money. How about act on what the investigation thats been completed already and lets move on.
They need to investigate absence of fiduciary fundamentals by the mayor and council.
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