Kirk Watson

Kirk Watson

Role at the time: Mayor of Austin, Texas

Statement summary

Watson condemned the shooting as part of what he called ICE’s rogue conduct and the chaos created by the agency.

“With the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos we’re seeing fomented by ICE, there’s no reason to be surprised.”

Kirk Watson

Role at the time: Mayor of Austin, in a statement posted on X and Facebook

Statement summary

Watson said that, given the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos he says ICE is fomenting, there is no reason to be surprised, that Austinites have a right to know what happened, and that, although Austin police were not involved, there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent.

“With the rogue nature of ICE and the chaos we’re seeing fomented by ICE, there’s no reason to be surprised. Austinites have a right to know what happened and they have a right to feel safe in their community. Though APD was not involved in the shooting, I believe that there needs to be an investigation that APD assures is clear-eyed, as complete as possible, and independent.”