Investigation Leads To The Indictments Of 19 Austin Police Officers

A Texas grand jury has indicted 19 Austin police officers on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon from their actions during 2020 protests following the killing of George Floyd.

Several sources told The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because they didn’t have the authorization to disclose the information publicly.

The indictments rank among the most charges for a single police department in the U.S. because of the tactics used by officers amid the many protests — methods that also led to the resignation or ouster of several police chiefs across the nation.

News of the indictments broke just hours after Austin city leaders approved a $10 million payment to two people injured by police during the protests, including a college student who suffered brain damage after an officer shot him with a beanbag round, the AP reported.

The district attorney for Travis County, Jose Garza, told journalists about the grand jury investigation; however, Garza did not provide specifics.

“Our community is safer when our community trusts enforcement. When it believes law enforcement follows that law and protects the people who live here,” Garza said. “There cannot be trust if there is no accountability when law enforcement breaks the law.”

Ken Cassidy, the president of the Austin Police Association, made a statement saying, “numerous officers” were indicted, but he was not sure of the total number facing charges.

Cassidy called the move “devastating” for city law enforcement but added that he’s confident no officer will be convicted. He also criticized Garza, saying the investigation is politically motivated.

“DA Garza ran on a platform to indict police officers and has not missed the opportunity to ruin lives and careers simply to fulfill a campaign promise,” Cassidy said.

Garza made a statement saying his office prosecutes anybody who causes harm “regardless of who causes it.”

The settlements approved Thursday are among the top largest payouts given to people who police have injured across the country during massive protests as a result of Floyd’s death.

The largest of the Austin settlements gives $8 million to Justin Howell,  who was only 20 years old when police shot him with a beanbag.

His Family members said the incident caused Howell to suffer a cracked skull and brain damage, leaving him in critical condition for multiple days.

The city will also pay $2 million to Anthony Evans. He was 26 when an Austin officer struck him with a beanbag round and caused him extensive medical treatment for injury to his jaw.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the settlements “remind us of a real difficult and painful moment in our city.”