In an apparent “celebration” of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Ft. Worth police along with the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC) raided a newly-opened Ft. Worth gay bar called the Rainbow Lounge, rounding up patrons and putting one in the hospital with a critical head injury.
According to multiple reports, the law enforcement officers forgot to bring their breathalyzer equipment but did remember to bring their billy-clubs, extra zip-tie handcuffs, and several police transport vehicles (a/k/a paddy wagons). They arrested people for “walking funny” and literally busted heads. In fact, one patron is still in the hospital with bleeding on the brain after allegedly being beaten by up to six police officers.
A photo that’s making its rounds on the Internet is also adding fuel to the discussion, since it shows an officer wearing a “State Police” shirt—even though Texas doesn’t have an actual state police force. Some people have suggested that this is the outfit worn by the TABC, but if that’s true, I’m curious as to why they don’t have “TABC” across the back.
Perhaps “Anti-Gay Task Force” doesn’t fit as nicely.
Nash, Tammye. “Halstead Promises Thorough Internal Investigation, Asks Those Who Witnessed Raid to Contact Department.” Dallas Voice. 1 July 2009.
“US Attorney’s Office Will Review Raid at Fort Worth Gay Bar.” The Dallas Morning News. 4 July 2009.
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