Community Demanding Action, Accountability in Rainbow Lounge Raid on June 26th.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) statement was referenced in a Community Forum in Forth Worth last night with Police Chief Halstead. Chief Halstead said that he had received a report from the Director of TABC acknowledging that Chad Gibson was injured in TABC custody, though he did not detail the circumstances. We are still waiting to receive an official statement from TABC.
Chief Halstead has indicated that the internal investigation is nearing completion. Regardless, an independent investigation is a must. With there being conflicting statements already issued by the Fort Worth Police Department and discrepancies with who was responsible for what between Fort Worth PD and TABC, it is time for some accountability. We know that an independent investigation will take time, which means it needs to start immediately.
Throughout this past few days, the silence of Mayor Moncrief on this issue is extremely disturbing. It is time for the Mayor to step it up and ask for accountability. As a leader of the city, it is his police chief and his police department, and he needs to assure the GLBT community and the community-at-large that is cares enough to be responsive and to ask for equal treatment for his citizens.
TABC Meeting Update: Representative Lon Burnam and Senator Wendy Davis are meeting with TABC officials today to discuss the raid and their role. Equality Texas is working with their offices on next steps based on their discussions.
As we continue to get more information, we want to support the efforts of our local organizations working in the north Texas area.
There is a candlelight vigil for Chad Gibson at Rainbow Lounge this evening from 8:30 - 9:30 pm that is being organized by the community.
Location: Rainbow Lounge
Street: 651 Jennings
City/Town: Fort Worth, TX
More details of events here:
Dallas Voice Instant Tea Blog Updates on Fort Worth Raid:
Fort Worth Star Telegram Report on Community Forum Last Night:
Paul E. Scott, Executive Director
Good work, Paul. Moncrief needs to be accountable.
Posted by: Elizabeth McLane | July 01, 2009 at 02:12 PM