The Houston Police Department has terminated Officer Ashley Gonzalez after a viral social media video showed her making racist remarks.
HPD confirmed on Friday that Gonzalez is “no longer an employee of the department,” adding that it holds officers to the “highest standards of integrity and conduct.”
The department said she was relieved of duty immediately after the incident surfaced, and an internal investigation was conducted “as fast as legally possible” under civil service laws.
Gonzalez was seen speaking to the camera while seated in a car, using derogatory remarks and a racial epithet about African-Americans while talking about an incident that took place when she wasn't on duty.
City officials backed the decision to terminate Gonzalez, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward racism in public service.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire described the remarks as “outrageous and reprehensible,” supporting the department’s swift action.
