• Houston Police Officer Ashley Gonzalez terminated following circulation of a video showing racist slurs and anti-Black comments.
• Mayor John Whitmire calls the language “outrageous and reprehensible” and says it does not reflect city or department values.
• The officer had been with HPD for approximately two years.
• Houston Police Officers’ Union expresses disturbance and supports appropriate action.
• Chief J. Noe Diaz suspended Gonzalez immediately and moved to fire her as soon as policy allowed.
Houston, Texas — A Houston Police Department officer has been fired after a video circulating on social media appeared to show her using racist slurs and expressing hatred toward Black people.
Mayor John Whitmire released a statement Friday addressing the termination of Officer Ashley Gonzalez, describing her recorded comments as “outrageous and reprehensible.” He said he was shocked and deeply disappointed to hear a Houston police officer use such foul and offensive language.
“The comments in the video recorded by former Houston Police Officer Ashley Gonzalez are outrageous and reprehensible,” Whitmire stated. “Her actions do not reflect the values of our city or the Houston Police Department, nor the standards we expect from those sworn to serve and protect our community.”
In the footage, the woman repeatedly uses racial slurs and makes multiple comments about how much she hates Black people. She is heard saying, “Y’all don’t know how good it felt to say n***** out loud. Oh, my God, I felt like I was back in the Marine Corps.” The video also shows her threatening to arrest any “Black person” who happens to be at a call she is dispatched to.
Whitmire emphasized zero tolerance for racism, applauding HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz for suspending Gonzalez when the department became aware of the video and firing her as soon as the state civil service process allowed. He urged city employees and Houstonians to report racism and rededicate themselves to human rights and respect.
The Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) also condemned the behavior, stating it was “extremely disturbed” by the footage and does not tolerate racist actions among its members. Union President Douglas Griffith highlighted the department’s diversity and said it is working to confirm the video’s authenticity while taking measures to maintain public trust.
A department spokesperson confirmed the officer in question had served with HPD for about two years.
This incident serves as a clear reminder of the standards expected in public service and the swift consequences when those standards are not met.