By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 00:40:23.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Highlights Damage Done in Metropolitan Areas Affected by Defunding police Movement
The head of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has used the recent shooting at Lakewood Church in Houston to emphasize the negative impact of the defund police movement on metropolitan areas. Kevin Lilly, chairman of the TABC, joined the mayor of Houston, police officials, and others at a press conference on Monday to provide an update on the shooting that took place at Joel Osteen’s megachurch.
Lilly stressed the importance of public safety, stating, “I would say this to elected officials that want to defund police: I say they do so at their own political peril. We need to unify as a community to defend our men and women in the thin blue line.” He expressed gratitude towards the law enforcement officials who responded to the shooting, praising them as heroes.
The shooting at Lakewood Church was halted by two off-duty officers working as security guards. Lilly commended their bravery, saying, “They were a wall that existed between worshipers and terror, between freedom of religion and murder.” He called on everyone to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day.
Lilly’s comments come at a time when several big cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Portland, and Austin, have taken steps to defund their police departments. In Austin, the city council and former mayor voted to significantly reduce APD’s funding, resulting in an officer exodus and a staffing crisis.
The Lakewood Church shooter has been identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a Hispanic female who entered the church with her 7-year-old son and opened fire at the off-duty officers using an AR-15. A 57-year-old man was shot and survived, but Moreno’s son was critically injured.
During the press conference, Doug Williams of the FBI praised the actions of the officers who stopped the shooter, stating that their heroic actions saved lives.
While Lilly may not always agree politically with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, he acknowledged the mayor’s consistent support for law enforcement and public safety.
In conclusion, the Lakewood Church shooting serves as a reminder of the critical role played by law enforcement in ensuring public safety. As discussions around defunding the police continue, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and prioritize the well-being of communities..
– Texas agency megachurch shooting
– damage done by defund police movement.