A Houston police officer was stripped of her badge and gun Tuesday after a video posted on social media showed a woman authorities believe to be her making repeated racist remarks — including slurs directed at Black people and comments describing how she treated individuals during arrests.
The Houston Police Department identified the officer as Ashley Gonzalez and confirmed she has been relieved of duty pending an internal investigation. While Gonzalez technically remains an HPD employee, she is not permitted to perform any police functions. Department officials said she is being monitored and is required to remain at her residence during the investigation.
The video, which was sent to FOX 26 Houston by a viewer, shows a woman going on an extended racist rant. In it, the woman repeatedly uses a racial slur to describe Black people, refers to individuals using dehumanizing language, and describes using that same slur toward a person she was taking into custody during an arrest. She also states she felt at peace after being able to say it. FOX 26 said it chose not to air the full video.
HPD said it is aware of the video but has not publicly confirmed that the woman seen in the recording is Gonzalez, stating only that it believes she is the individual involved. When the investigation is concluded, Gonzalez will either be reinstated or indefinitely suspended — the department’s equivalent of termination.
Community activist Dr. Candice Matthews held a press conference Tuesday addressing the incident. She said she has been in direct communication with HPD leadership and confirmed that Gonzalez is no longer performing duties. Matthews announced that her team plans to file a formal complaint with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement — the state agency that certifies police officers — seeking to have Gonzalez’s law enforcement license revoked.
“We intend to hold this officer fully accountable,” Matthews said during the press conference.
The Houston Police Department did not specify how long Gonzalez had been with the department or in what capacity she served. No further details about the circumstances of the video — when it was recorded or how it was obtained — have been released.
The investigation is ongoing.