Travis County DA’s Office Releases Security Information and Appeals Texas Attorney General Paxton’s Ruling
Travis County, TX —Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced it has released information related to the nature of the threats against him and steps taken by Travis County to address those threats.
“Too often, serving in elected office comes with threats of violence,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “In the face of those threats, we have a responsibility to continue to ensure the fair administration of justice and to keep our families safe.”
Beginning with the announcement from Governor Abbott about his plans to pardon Daniel Perry in April 2023 and continuing through 2024, the Travis County District Attorney received political threats of violence online, through the mail, and in person. These threats were reported to the proper authorities.
Those threats escalated in May of 2023, including threats against the District Attorney’s life and his residence. In November 2023, online users suggested that Garza’s policies could be changed if his personal address were posted online and his safety threatened.
In January of 2024, online users began attempting to post what they thought was DA Garza’s home address, including with maps and photos. The threats escalated further and continued.
In February of 2024, Garza requested that the Commissioners Court take steps to assess and respond to those threats. At that time, the Commissioners Court was aware of growing threats against elected officials in Travis County and initiated a comprehensive approach to addressing security for county personnel. After reviewing the threats made against Garza, the Commissioners Court requested independent security assessments of Garza’s residence, a retrospective and prospective review of online threats against Garza, and directed the District Attorney to work with the County’s Security team.
After three security assessments were complete, the Commissioners Court authorized the transfer of $115,000.00 to the District Attorney’s Office for security-related measures, including $64,000 for security improvements at Garza’s residence. According to County policy, all security enhancements will be removed when Garza leaves office and returned to the county.
Out of concern that the release of detailed security information could increase risk to the District Attorney and his family, TCDA sought approval from the Attorney General to withhold that detailed information. The Texas Attorney General’s Office ruled that some information should be withheld and some should be released.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office continues to have concerns about the release of certain security items, and on Friday, November 8, 2024, the office filed an appeal against Texas Attorney General Paxton’s open records decision regarding Travis County’s release of security records. Under the Texas Public Information Act, the requested information is confidential under the common law physical safety exception recognized by the Texas Supreme Court and is excepted from public disclosure under Government Code sections 552.101 and 552.152.
“The Texas Attorney General’s ruling is contrary to the law, and I look forward to pursuing our security interests in district court,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza.
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