2 Southlake officers fired over swastika drawing

SOUTHLAKE, Texas - Two police officers in Southlake were fired over a swastika drawing.

Southlake Chief of Police James Brandon released a statement about the incident. He said the investigation began on June 14 into a swastika that was drawn and shared with others during a break in a meeting involving members of the police department.

The names of the officers were not released nor how long they were with the department, but the chief said they were terminated after showing "exceptionally poor judgment and a lack of leadership."

"The drawing was an inexcusable attempt at humor and not related to the department's patch or logo," Chief Brandon said in a statement. "As Chief I am deeply disappointed in the lack of judgment shown by the actions of the officers involved. I know that their actions do not reflect the values of the men and women who serve and protect our community each day, our city leadership, our organization, or our community. Hate symbols do not reflect the values that we share as public servants and are not acceptable in any form or situation. The display of a symbol of hate undermines the confidence of the public in our department and does not reflect our values as public servants."

FOX 4 reached out to Southlake Mayor John Huffman’s office for a statement. We did not receive a direct response.  Instead, we were referred back to the statement given out by the police chief. Southlake police declined our request for an interview.

FOX 4 did file an open records request for more information about the internal investigation. 

A group called "Southlake Together" criticized the police department and the city’s leadership on Twitter. The group was formed during several high-profile controversies involving Carroll ISD, and it’s remained a vocal opponent of recent changes in city leadership.

In a tweet the group says Chief Brandon’s statement is not enough. It’s asking for more transparency and for the mayor to speak up. 

Another tweet says in part "Southlake must stop pretending that racism and bigotry does not exist."

The tweet ends with "We deserve accountability. Right now, there is none."

Chief Brandon added that he hopes the action taken by the department "sends a clear message" about the city’s and police department’s values.