Austin Police Association, Austin Police Retired Officers Association speak out against brutality

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Retired Officers Association (APROA) and the Austin Police Association (APA) are holding a joint press conference to "speak out against the shortcomings of the criminal justice system and those of (Austin City Council)."

APA Executive Director Valencia Escobar says in a statement that the APROA is "outraged by the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. It was an act of police brutality that rightfully deserves the condemnation it has received throughout our country and around the globe. We stand with those who grieve his death."

"We also stand with the fine men and women of the Austin Police Department (APD) who have shown tremendous professionalism, compassion and bravery throughout the protests that included incidents of rioting which ravaged our city last weekend."

RELATED: Austin City Council holding special meeting to discuss protests and APD's response

The joint press conference began at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Austin Police Department Headquarters located in the 700 block of 8th Street.

The full press release from APA is as follows:

"The Austin Police Retired Officers Association (APROA) is outraged by the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. It was an act of police brutality that rightfully deserves the condemnation it has received throughout our country and around the globe. We stand with those who grieve his death.

We also stand with the fine men and women of the Austin Police Department (APD) who have shown tremendous professionalism, compassion and bravery throughout the protests that included incidents of rioting which ravaged our city last weekend.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the violence and destruction that erupted in Austin was the lack of leadership from Mayor Steve Adler and the rest of the Austin City Council and City Management. While officers dodged rocks, Molotov cocktails, eggs, and bricks to protect the rights of individuals to peacefully protest, Mayor Adler and his colleagues failed to speak publicly about the importance of abiding by laws that protect the rights, safety and property of others. Worse yet, the Mayor chose to condone property crime while criticizing the courageous on-duty officers who upheld their responsibility to serve. All while he remained at home, citing concerns about COVID-19.

We must create a safe environment for all. The residents of Austin deserve better. The officers of Austin deserve better. The memory of George Floyd deserves better. It is for those reasons, and countless others, that the APROA, will hold a press conference, in partnership with the Austin Police Association (APA), on the steps of Austin Police Department Headquarters to speak out against the shortcomings of the criminal justice system and those of this council."