Dr. Matthews holds press conference after HPD relieves Officer Ashley Gonzalez following racist rant

HOUSTON, TX – Dr. Candice Matthews held a press conference addressing a video that shows racist language by Houston Police Officer Ashley Gonzalez.

According to the Houston Police Department, Gonzalez has been relieved of duty while the department investigates the video.

In the video referenced during the briefing, the speaker is heard making multiple offensive statements directed toward Black individuals, including repeated use of the racial slur “n*****” and referring to individuals as “chimps,” along with comments expressing hatred and describing how they would treat individuals during law enforcement encounters.

During the press conference, Dr. Matthews said she has been in communication with HPD leadership and confirmed the officer is no longer working for the department. She stated the officer remains under investigation and outlined steps she plans to take to hold the officer accountable.

Dr. Matthews said her team intends to file a complaint with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to seek revocation of the officer’s license. She also stated she plans to monitor whether the officer seeks employment at other agencies and would raise concerns if that occurs.

She added that she is exploring potential federal involvement, including contacting the FBI, citing possible civil rights concerns. Dr. Matthews also called for individuals who may have had prior interactions with the officer to come forward.

The Houston Police Department has not released additional details about the investigation.