Just got this in an e-mail from the Human Rights Campaign:
WASHINGTON –The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today called for an investigation into alleged police misconduct at a gay bar in Fort Worth, Texas this weekend. Local media reported that patrons complained of officers using excessive force in an inspection that coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York.
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“Brutality at the hands of law enforcement is never acceptable and these allegations demonstrate the need for a thorough and impartial investigation,†said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We applaud the Fort Worth community for seeking answers to these very serious charges.â€
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Fort Worth police officers and Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission agents arrested seven patrons at the Rainbow Lounge early Sunday while conducting an alcoholic beverage code inspection of the bar. Witnesses to the event say the officers used excessive force – in some cases slamming patrons to the ground.Â
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According to the Dallas Voice, one patron, Chad Gibson, is in intensive care for a head injury following the incident. Dozens of local residents protested at the county courthouse yesterday and the Fort Worth Police Department has issued a statement saying they are investigating the allegations internally.
It’s a shame that some police officers in Fort Worth, Texas feel the need to behave in this manner. Unfortunately, because of their position their actions will most likely be overlooked even after an internal investigation. They investigation will most likely state that the patrons were resisting arrest and the police were acting in an appropriate manner. This further calls for Congress to pass hate-crime legislation to protect the LGBT community.
I wonder how many raids there have been on bars that are often by young people, called “meat markets,” and are populated by a majority of straight people, many of whom are underage, and where date rapes occur.
From [ https://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/06/fort-worth-police-identify-off.html ], information for witnesses to the arrests:
“Any person present during the bar check conducted at the Rainbow Lounge that observed any misconduct of a Fort Worth Police Officer is encouraged to contact the Internal Affairs Division at 817-392-4270 in order to set up an interview.”
WTF Liz!
Just when I thought my morning couldn’t get any more weird, I read your VERY specific “thought of the day”.
I’m still shaking my head in amazement and disbelief.
where is Lambda Legal in all this?
I agree with Ken. The police officers will probably get off scott-free. So hard to believe this can happen in this day and age in America.
Oh how I remember my High School days drinking at PR’s and Billy Bobs with ALL my 16 and 17 year old friends. I am sure glad FTWPD and TABC never decided to to an inspection then…..
The Owner of the Rainbow Lounge knew they were coming Saturday night? Can someone please ask him?
The FWPD Statement:
For Immediate Release
6/28/2009 FORT WORTH, TX –
PRESS RELEASE:
DETAILS AND SEQUENCE OF EVENTS LEADING TO A BAR CHECK AT THE RAINBOW LOUNGE:
On Thursday evening, June 6, 2009, a TABC Agent entered into NPD2 and teamed up with a patrol officer in order to conduct alcoholic beverage code inspections of area clubs. While they were out, they performed these inspections into the Friday morning hours. At approximately 10:00 p.m., Thursday evening, they stopped by the Rainbow Lounge located at 651 S. Jennings in anticipation of conducting an inspection as this club is newly opened and has not received an inspection before this date. While waiting on the supervisor to arrive, which is standard operating procedure, the owner of the Rainbow Lounge approached the officers asked if there was a problem. The TABC agent explained they were waiting on a patrol supervisor to make the scene before conducting an inspection of his establishment. An inspection at the Rainbow Lounge was not conducted on this date (Friday). Other locations, however, were inspected as a continuing effort to educate and enforce over serving alcohol to intoxicated individuals.
On Saturday morning, June 27, 2009, a person identifying himself as the owner of the Rainbow Lounge called the local police station and spoke with a supervisor to ascertain if there was a problem at the Rainbow Lounge. At approximately 3:30 p.m., a Fort Worth Police sergeant spoke with the owner of the Rainbow Lounge and explained they were conducting alcoholic beverage code inspections in the area. The owner advised the sergeant officers were welcome anytime to conduct an inspection of his establishment. The sergeant advised the owner of the Rainbow Lounge that officers would return to the area this evening to continue inspections and would inspect his establishment.
On Sunday morning, June 28, 2009, at 12:30 a.m., six (6) Fort Worth Police Officers, two (2) TABC agents and a supervisor conducted inspections at 160 W Rosedale (Rosedale Saloon and Cowboy Palace). This inspection resulted in nine (9) arrests. Once the inspection was completed at these locations, officers proceeded to the Rainbow Lounge.
Officers arrived at the Rainbow Lounge to conduct the scheduled inspection. Some officers remained outside while some entered the club. While walking through the Rainbow Lounge, an extremely intoxicated patron made sexually explicit movements toward the police supervisor. This individual was arrested for public intoxication. Another intoxicated individual also made sexually explicit movements towards another officer and he was arrested for public intoxication. A third individual inside the lounge assaulted the TABC agent by grabbing the TABC agent’s groin. He was escorted outside and arrested for public intoxication. The decision was made to release him to paramedics due to his extreme intoxicated state as he was repeatedly vomiting. While dealing with this person, another officer requested assistance from inside the club as he had an intoxicated individual that was resisting arrest. This person was placed on the ground in an effort to control and apprehend. A total of seven (7) arrests were made from the Rainbow Lounge during this inspection. The total arrest count for the entire evening totaled 16.
Alcohol beverage code inspections are conducted frequently at establishments located within the city limits of Fort Worth. These are conducted in order to ensure a safe environment for all. A thorough internal investigation into the allegations made is being conducted as all allegations against officers are investigated.
I find it hard to believe that FWPD statement – the “lewd gestures” could have been dancing or something.
I hope Chad Gibson will make a full recovery.