Rep. Gregorio “Greg” Casar (D-TX) is known for his radical progressive politics and association with “The Squad” and has been an outspoken critic of American police. He now faces backlash for his hypocritical request for enhanced police patrols around his Austin home. His plea follows years of vocal support for defunding the Austin Police Department (APD).
Casar has made a name for himself among the most far-left wing of the Democratic Party and has been instrumental in advocating for massive cuts to the APD’s budget. His involvement in the 2020 decision to slash the department’s funding by over $100 million has been well-documented, with Casar himself celebrating the achievement on social media.
Dem who defunded Austin police under fire for requesting enhanced patrols around his home https://t.co/T4rhouHpjg via @BIZPACReview
— Norman Firebaugh (@FirebaughNorman) December 20, 2023
The Austin Police Retired Officers Association (APROA) and local GOP leaders have rightfully pointed out the resulting hypocrisy in his recent requests that APD provide him with an enhanced presence around his residence, a favor that ordinary citizens would be hard-pressed to ask for.
It’s come to our attention that Anti police king of the defund movement in Austin @GregCasar who only last week called APD an agency with racist practices has requested enhanced patrols around his house for the next week. We want everyone in Austin to feel safe. 1/
— Austin Police Retired Officers Association (@APROA01) December 19, 2023
The APROA wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “It’s come to our attention that Anti-police king of the defund movement in Austin @GregCasar who only last week called APD an agency with racist practices has requested enhanced patrols around his house for the next week.” That sentiment was echoed by Travis County GOP Chairman Matt Mackowiak, who describe Casar as a “fraud” in a separate post.
The APD confirmed it was aware of Casar’s request and emphasized that all such requests, irrespective of the individual making them, are processed following a standard protocol. An APD spokesperson stated, “Our agency takes all public safety concerns seriously. Our priority is having a secure and safe community for everyone to feel protected while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.”
Greg Casar is a fraud. https://t.co/IOb90TN3Mu
— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) December 19, 2023
Meanwhile, Casar and his congressional office have refrained from commenting on the matter, citing “security reasons.”
“Our office has not been in communication with the Austin Police Department on this matter because these issues are handled by the United States Sergeant at Arms, who then works with U.S. Capitol Police and local law enforcement agencies,” his office noted.
In a city still grappling with the effects of a police shortage and officer retirements post-2020, the incident brings to light the complex dynamics between political advocacy and personal security concerns.
Since 2020, Austin has experienced an increase in certain types of violent crimes, including homicides, robberies, aggravated assaults, and auto thefts. The trend in Austin reflects a broader pattern observed in many urban communities across the country marked by surges in certain types of violent crimes.
