‘He asked me if I was American’: New Orleans man allegedly beaten by NOPD officers tells story

Story via the New Orleans Advocate:
BY RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS | RVARGAS@THEADVOCATE.COM PUBLISHED JUL 24, 2018 AT 5:26 PM | UPDATED JUL 25, 2018 AT 7:26 AM

The New Orleans Police Department arrested two of its own officers and began the process of firing them after an off-duty fight with a civilian early Tuesday near a Mid-City bar, according to authorities.

John Galman and Spencer Sutton — rookies who graduated from the police training academy in December and had not yet completed a required probationary period — were booked on counts of simple battery in connection with an incident that sent the civilian to the hospital.

In a statement, Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said investigators collected video evidence and witness statements which “clearly” established that Galman, 26, and Sutton, 24, were the aggressors in an altercation culminating at Baudin and South Murat streets.

George Gomez, 36, who identified himself as the victim, said he was relieved to learn that Galman and Sutton had been arrested and would be dismissed from the force.

“Members of our department are expected to comply with the law and adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, whether on- or off-duty,” Harrison’s statement said.

“The swift pace at which the Public Integrity Bureau investigated this incident and the decisive actions taken by the NOPD … by arresting the officers and starting the termination process clearly demonstrate how seriously our department views their actions.”

George Gomez, 36, who identified himself as the victim, said he was relieved to learn that Galman and Sutton had been arrested and would be dismissed from the force.

Gomez still had cuts, bruises, scabs and swelling on his face after being discharged from the hospital later Tuesday, when he shared his recollection of the morning’s events with reporters.

On this day, in Chicano History

Jul. 25, 1846, Matamoros, Mexico:
Ulysses S. Grant, later President of the United States -in a letter to his Lover, Julia Dent writes that U.S. occupation forces have murdered many Mexican civilians and “…seem to enjoy acts of violence…” against Mexicans.

Ulysess S. Grant, love letter from war.

This day, in Chicano History

This day, in Chicano History: July 23
1898: Jerome, Arizona:
The Jerome Mining News re-prints an article complaining that “people of Spanish and Mexican descent are not enlisting” in the war against Spain because of “the tie of language” is stronger than allegiance to the U.S.

This month, in Chicano History – Highlight:

July 24, 1973, 12-year old Santos Rodriguez, from Dallas,TX was shot was shot by police officer Darryl L. Cain in the head while sitting quietly handcuffed in the front seat of the squad car. Santos and his 13-year old brother had been TAKEN from their grandparent’s home by police – who claimed both brothers had burglarized a gas station. The unjustified murder of young Santos was termed “illegal and unjustified” by the Dallas police chief, and sparked massive protests by Dallas Chicanos, and Brown Berets alike. Although officer Cain was later convicted of murder, he received a measly five-year sentence. One year after the killing of young Santos, officer Cain was still free while appealing his sentence. No evidence or witnesses were ever found to place young Santos or his brother at the scene of the gas station burglary.

In this archived 1977 photo, Santos Rodriguez and others slain in police-involved shootings are remembered in a street march in Dallas.

Keeping it Tranquilo (maintaining the peace)

In recent weeks and months, Carnalismo have engaged in peaceful dialogue and correspondence with formerly adversarial or strained relationships. These measures have been sought by all parties involved to “bury hatchets”, or to simply just not engage in such negative annoyances any longer.

Although we can with absolute certainty say that everything we have released in our defense; statements on the internet or otherwise have been actual evidentiary truth, we will be taking some statements down in the coming weeks in an effort to rinse out what might be viewed as dirty laundry. Please bear in mind three things:

1) This process may not happen overnight; there are numerous things on numerous sights that may be changed to an “unpublished,” or removed status and this process can be tedious and time consuming. For those this is relevant to, please be patient.

2) Just because these things might become “unpublished,” it doesn’t mean they will be wiped out. Carnalismo has archived everything, but will keep things only for our records.

3) Those who have done things so egregious and outstandingly bad, (like outright slander, libel, death threats, etc.) and who have made no effort toward negotiations with us may NOT have certain entries removed. Such removals or redactions will be at Carnalismo’s sole discretion. In addition, any new bad actors may have the evidence of their egregious behavior published on a myriad of platforms.

Our friends are still our friends, as we continue on with growing support and unifying gestures with new friends and even old friends. This is a great opportunity for us all.

We welcome this new tone within the Brown Beret community with open arms. In the current geopolitical status quo such measures are imperative so that we can all continue on with doing our work, and living on with our lives in tranquility and peace.

Social Media Issues – why I’m not gone

Now we all got issues, right? But here is what we dont like: People thinking they can run rough shod, under our flash, under our patch, and thinking they can run sh*t.
We’re dealing with some SERIOUS situations right now, and the last thing we need is too placate a handful of narcissistic flying monkeys. It’s okay, we won’t name any of you, you pretty much know who you are.
Aside from that, there is so much to be said. But it’s best to say little, and to know that the Carnalismo Brown Berets have been running strong for generations.

I want to take this moment to give Victor San Miguel all of my credence, as he is a beacon in guidance, advocacy, action, understanding, patience, and fairness as well as justice. Under his tutelage, I have truly learned a lot (even if I was being a hard head at the time.) When a man (And I’m NOT trying to engender the argument, I’m writing as a man) such as myself looks to a hero, Victor San Miguel is truly one of my personal hero’s I owe a debt to him that I can’t even explain. Being a Carnalismo Brown Beret is the most amazing experience ANYONE could know. Victor San Miguel’s leadership, diplomacy, forgiveness toward adversarial, etc have always amazed me. I’m glad that he has taught me – through suggestion/facilitation, just what it means to be a leader – especially in our capacity.
I am still very proud to be a Brown Beret, and I will NEVER shy away from that title. I will staple gun my beret to my head before anyone tries to de-frock me.