By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-848124.mp3
Fort Worth, TX –
More than two dozen witnesses to the recent raid on Fort Worth's Rainbow Lounge have told their stories to investigators but NOT at Police Headquarters. KERA's BJ Austin says a neutral location was set up, and legal assistance provided.
Attorney Jon Nelson is with the new group "Fairness Fort Worth". He says some people who were at the Rainbow Lounge June 28th were afraid to go into Police Headquarters to talk about police behavior that night. One patron suffered a serious head injury during an encounter with an officer. So, with the cooperation Fort Worth Police, and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission officers, a neutral location was created. Officers say they were taunted and even groped when they arrived to check for public intoxication. Witnesses deny any provocation.
Mayor Mike Moncrief has asked for a U.S. Attorney review. But, Nelson wants an INDEPENDENT investigation that addresses homophobia.
Nelson: Ask the officers: Do you know any gays? What is your feeling about gays? Matthew Shepard died because of attitude; That's why those questions are valid and necessary.
Matthew Shepard was the Wyoming college student beaten to death -- targeted because he was gay. Nelson says Fairness Fort Worth wants to launch programs that create a more inclusive city. Fort Worth Police could not be reached for comment.