José Garza Discloses Records of Security Measures After Escalating Threats

The Travis County District Attorney’s office has disclosed some records detailing threats against DA José Garza and his subsequent requests for security enhancements. The release comes after months of public interest and legal battles over the transparency of security-related expenditures.

Threats Prompted Security Upgrades

Garza revealed that threats against him began in April 2023 after Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced plans to pardon Daniel Perry. These threats escalated to include his life and home, prompting Garza to seek assistance from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s security office.

“Too often, serving in elected office comes with threats of violence,” Garza said. “In the face of those threats, we have a responsibility to ensure the fair administration of justice and to keep our families safe.”

The threats, some of which suggested physical harm or death, led Garza to request security enhancements from the Travis County Commissioners Court in February 2024.

Commissioners Approve Security Measures

After reviewing the threats, commissioners approved a $115,000 allocation in March 2024 to address Garza’s security concerns. The funds were earmarked for home security improvements and law enforcement support.

Of the total, $64,154.80 was used to enhance security at Garza’s home. Additional funds were reserved to reimburse law enforcement officers who provided close patrols and for temporary private security when officers were unavailable.

“The crux of the recommendations from security experts was that my home needed to be hardened to make it more difficult to access,” Garza explained.

Transparency and Legal Disputes

FOX 7 Austin submitted a public information request for details about the expenditure. Initially, the county withheld the records, citing safety concerns under the Texas Homeland Security Act.

In September, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Travis County Commissioners Court, alleging violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Paxton claimed the commissioners concealed their decisions from public scrutiny.

In October, commissioners reapproved the funding in a public vote and began releasing some records following an AG ruling. However, Garza appealed parts of the ruling, arguing that certain records should remain confidential to protect his security.

“The Texas Attorney General’s ruling is contrary to the law, and I look forward to pursuing our security interests in district court,” Garza said.

Precedent and Calls for Equality

The funding decision has drawn comparisons to past cases, including that of Judge Julie Kocurek, who survived an assassination attempt in 2015. Kocurek noted that county funds for her security were not provided immediately after the attack. Following Garza’s allocation, she also requested security funds from the commissioners.

“The gunman shot me through the driver’s window four times from just four feet away. At that moment, I thought I was being murdered in front of my son,” Kocurek recounted during a commissioners’ meeting.

The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of balancing transparency, public safety, and the financial needs of elected officials facing credible threats.

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