Garamendi Issues Statement on Racist Messages & Threats from Antioch Police Department Officials

ANTIOCH, CA—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Antioch) issued a statement condemning the racist actions of 24 members of the Antioch Police Department and calling for an immediate investigation into the matter by the United States Department of Justice.

Background: In 2020, 17 Antioch police officers sent vile, racist messages to each other, including a message promising a free prime rib dinner to shoot Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe with rubber bullets for his involvement in protesting the murder of George Floyd. The messages also included statements referring to Black residents of Antioch as “gorillas,” “monkeys,” and “N—". 24 officers were involved in total, a significant portion of Antioch’s police force.

“There is no room for hatred or bigotry in our community,” Garamendi said. “The despicable, racist, and immoral statements made by Antioch Police Department officers must be swiftly and thoroughly investigated by the United States Department of Justice. These officers took an oath to honorably serve and protect their community, and their actions are in direct violation of that oath.

“This is yet another, somber example of the additional risks Black elected officials endure throughout America as they answer the call to serve their community. My sympathy is with Mayor Thorpe and the residents of Antioch who have been threatened and betrayed by these officers. I stand with them in calling for accountability and action in this matter,” Garamendi concluded.

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