Fort Worth—
An overflow crowd swamped the Fort Worth City Council meeting Tuesday, demanding answers and action into the raid at the Rainbow Lounge, a gay bar. Chris Neu
was among those who are angry about how long the investigation is taking to yield an explanation. "I am angry. I just want to know what happened".Hundreds of people, many of them who addressed the council members came out to voice their disgust about the raid. During what officials have described as a routine bar inspection one man suffered a head injury and others say they were roughed up by overly-aggressive officers with Fort Worth Police and the TABC. "We need to know what happened", said Reverend Carol West, who is part of an advocate group called Fairness Fort Worth. "I really think this incident means that officers need more training in diversity".
Both the TABC and Fort Worth police are conducting internal investigations into the raid more than 3 weeks ago. But officials say because of the number of witnesses it may take another month to reach a conclusion.
Police have announced a new community service officer who will work with the gay and lesbian community. "I plan to do my job and reassure people that they will be safe", said Officer Sara Straten, who volunteered for the news post. Council members were not available for comment about tonight's heavily-attended meeting.
