US3 min(s) read
Published 15:47 22 Apr 2026 GMT
A police officer has been relieved of duty following the circulation of a disturbing video in which she made offensive, racist remarks.
In the now-viral clip, Ashley Gonzalez can be seen sitting in the front seat of a car, ranting about her hatred for Black people.
"The amount of times I will always and forever say that I f***ing hate [racial slur]. I f***ing hate you all," she says, before going on to boast about using a racial slur during an off-duty encounter.
She then recounts an incident in which she accused a person of trying to steal her wallet, during which she says she felt a sense of peace after calling them a racial slur.
"Y’all don’t know how good it felt to say [racial slur] out loud. Oh my God, I felt like I was back in the Marine Corps," Gonzalez added.
Following the viral spread of the video, which was shared on Instagram close friends story, the Houston Police Department (HPD) has initiated an internal investigation into Gonzalez’s conduct and relieved her of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Gonzalez was ordered to turn in her badge and gun, and she is being monitored at her home until a final decision is made about her employment status, which could result in either a suspension or termination, The New York Post said.
The former officer, who joined the HPD in January 2024, had previously served in the US Marine Corps between 2019 and 2023, where she attained the rank of corporal and received training in cultural diversity and implicit bias.
The horrific clip has sparked condemnation from local community leaders, police unions, and civil rights groups.
The Houston Police Officers’ Union said in a statement: "The Houston Police Officers Union is extremely disturbed by a video circulating on social media regarding an officer making offensive, racist comments.
"In no way does the HPOU or its leadership condone or tolerate racist behavior from any of our officers," they added.
Bishop James Dixon, president of the Houston chapter of the NAACP, called the video a "sick mindset," adding: "And here’s a young lady with her future ahead of her.
"She’s ex-military, she has talent, she has gifts and skills...and yet, she undermined her own credibility with this racist ideology," he added, per The Independent.
Community activist Dr. Candice Matthews noted the video "caused a discord between Hispanics and African Americans".
The Houston Police Department’s policy documents make it clear that officers are required to act "without prejudice" and are banned from posting content on social media that could harm the department's reputation.
The investigation into the officer's conduct is ongoing, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for her career and the HPD’s reputation.
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