CLEAT Calls for Judicial Accountability After Seven San Antonio Officers Shot

San Antonio, Texas—On January 22, 2025, seven San Antonio police officers were shot in the line of duty by a gunman as they responded to a check welfare/suicidal subject. All seven officers were CLEAT members, and our staff attorneys responded to the scene to assist with their immediate needs. Thankfully, all officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are on their way to recovery, but the process will be a difficult one. 

In the days following this violent attack on our officers, it came to light that the perpetrator was arrested last month in Bexar County on two felony charges of Injury to an Elderly and Driving While Intoxicated-second offense, and an additional assaultive offense on a family member. Despite the charges and extensive criminal history, a judge set an extremely low bond, and the assailant was released the following day, allowing him to commit this heinous ambush against law enforcement. It was also determined that he had an outstanding warrant in a neighboring county at the time of the shooting for Violation of Bond, Protective Order.

“The pattern of judges granting low or no bonds on violent offenders across our large urban counties is unprecedented and must end. This is why we continue to push for and support Senator Huffman’s legislation to improve judicial transparency and accountability when it comes to violent offenders,” said Robert Leonard, Executive Director for the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT).

Texas law enforcement cannot continue to operate in a world where violent offenders are not held accountable and rogue district attorneys are focused on prosecuting officers rather than violent criminals. We look forward to the Texas legislature taking action to address this ongoing issue by placing public safety at the forefront with SB 293 and SJR 17.

###

View as PDF