Operating on a beefed up staff, the Austin Police Department and the Department of Public Safety worked long hours over the weekend as multiple protests were held. One of the protests came a week after the fatal shooting of Garrett Foster, who reportedly aimed what Chief of Police Brian Manley described as an “AK-47 type of rifle” at a driver, who fired his own weapon in retaliation and killed Foster on the spot. Many protesters say Foster was killed unjustifiably, while others believe Foster was justifiably shot by the driver due to his actions. His death has added to the growing rift between police and their supporters, and the protesters who want a sweeping overhaul to modern policing.
A separate protest march was led to the home of Austin City Council member Kathie Tovo, who, despite throwing a lot of support toward the de-funding of police, was targeted because many activists don’t believe her support goes far enough. By Friday, it was widely expected the protesters would make a stop at Tovo’s house, prompting the District 9 representative to release a statement on Facebook.
“As I have said publicly, I stand in solidarity with community members calling for change. I applaud the creativity and innovation of the proposals before us and support many of the items in these amendments, including but not limited to shifting the forensics department, internal affairs, and 911 communications.”
The demonstration at Tovo’s private residence was short-lived, and demonstrators quickly moved on.
In downtown, the march in support of Garrett Foster was chaotic at times. Officers stood by as some protesters hurled insults and profanities at them, but the demonstration remained fairly nonviolent, for the most part. However, 35 people were arrested over the weekend. On Monday, the Austin Police Department is expected to provide the public with more details on those arrests, including names and charges that have been filed.
