TAMPA — At a meeting that began with dozens of speakers decrying police tactics, Tampa City Council expected to hear a report of an incident involving an unarmed black man and allegations of use of police force at Tampa General Hospital.
That incident earlier this month was one of three referenced by seven local and state African American elected officials who recently called for the mayor and police chief to immediately end what they called police use of force on peaceful protesters.
Council member Orlando Gudes, seconded by John Dingfelder, had requested the report on the Tampa General incident for today’s meeting. But Police Chief Brian Dugan sent a letter to city council saying “the matter is currently pending an investigation” and therefore confidential. The two officers involved will remain on administrative leave until the investigation is complete, Dugan wrote.
Dugan also noted the city has received a notice that “the aggrieved person” plans to file a lawsuit, so on advice of lawyers, “there should be no further comment or discussion of this item.”
Dozens of speakers, many young and some older, lined up Thursday morning to give impassioned speeches to council members that centered on racism and the police. They were still going as the noon hour approached.
They objected to police tactics in the recent protests. They brought up specific police incidents in Tampa’s black community spanning back years. They called out Mayor Jane Castor and Chief Dugan by name. They demanded defunding police and redistributing the money for transportation, housing, education and health care.
When speakers thought a council member wasn’t paying attention, they said so. Some of the language was strong, but no council members objected.
Connie Burton said the protests haven’t only been about the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.
“It has been all of our sons and daughters caught up in this justice system that is racist and unjust,” she said.
The movement is far from over, she said.
“We’re going to march all the way through the damn Super Bowl ... to let America know what Tampa’s about,” she said.
Speakers said it wasn’t enough to not be racist — they needed to be anti-racist.
“Don’t look at the color of my skin, look at the intelligence of my brain,” said Frank Williams. “Good God almighty, y’all have been messing with us too damn long.”
“Do your job,” said Johnny Johnson. “That’s all we ask for, and now we’re demanding it.”
Some speakers didn’t give their names or only gave a first name, though people who speak at council meetings are generally asked to state their names and addresses.
Gudes, the council’s only black member, tested positive for the coronavirus last week and did not attend the meeting, held at the Tampa Convention Center with participants seated far apart. The two lecterns were disinfected between speakers.
The Tampa General hospital incident is expected to come up later today.
This is a continuing story. Check back for updates.
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