https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/greg-abbott-justin-berry-protest-b2139890.htmlTexas governor Greg Abbott has appointed an Austin policeman to a statewide police standards commission, despite the officer being part of a group of 19 officials indicted for using excessive force during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
On Friday, Mr Abbott praised the appointment of officer Justin Berry, writing in a statement “that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.”
The Independent has contacted the governor’s office for comment.
In February, Officer Berry and 18 other Austin-based police were indicted for using aggressive riot control tactics on 10 demonstrators who took part in the 2020 racial justice protests.
Mr Berry in particular was charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant.
The charging documents do not clearly distinguish which officers are accused of what, but the case presents an account of police officers with little training in riot control wreaking havoc on unarmed demonstrators.
One of the demonstrators named in the documents, Christen Warkoczewski, was hit in the face with a police bag round, fracturing her jaw and leaving her disfigured.
