More Law Enforcement Leaders Criticize Outrageous Judson and Bean Attacks on Speaker Straus

Law enforcement leaders in San Antonio and across Texas harshly criticized political candidates Jeff Judson and Sheila Bean for blaming Speaker Joe Straus for a 2015 murder.

Judson and Bean have consistently aired false and negative attacks in their desperate efforts to defeat Speaker Straus in the House District 121 seat he currently holds. In recent days, they have taken their attacks to new lows by suggesting Straus bears responsibility for a horrible murder in Houston.

Law enforcement leaders swiftly and powerfully condemned the two challengers’ tactics.

“As officers who have worked closely with the families of murder victims, we find it outrageous that Jeff Judson and Sheila Bean would blame Joe Straus for the acts of a violent criminal,” the San Antonio Police Officers Association said. “Joe Straus is a champion for public safety and an outstanding partner to those of us who fight crime in San Antonio day after day. This was a serious and terrible crime that should not be politicized, and it’s a shame that Mr. Judson and Ms. Bean have made this very poor choice.”

Jimmy Jackson, the Chairman of the Department of Public Safety Officers Association PAC, said, “As state troopers who protect millions of Texans every day, we are grateful for the leadership of Speaker Joe Straus. Speaker Straus has led the way in giving us the tools and resources we need to more effectively fight crime and keep Texans safe. These desperate attempts to blame Speaker Straus for a tragic murder are offensive and wrong. We support Speaker Straus because he supports public safety."

Earlier Thursday, Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau was the first law enforcement leader to condemn the attack.

"Using a grieving father to accuse Joe Straus of a horrific murder committed by a career criminal is deplorable and irresponsible,” said Sheriff Pamerleau, a Republican. “No one has done more to secure the border than Joe Straus."

Jackson County Sheriff A.J. Louderback said, “Jeff Judson’s and Sheila Bean’s decision to blame Speaker Joe Straus for this tragic crime is appalling and reprehensible. Sheriffs across the state of Texas know that law enforcement has a true ally in Speaker Straus and look forward to working with Speaker Straus to continue to secure the safety of Texans.”

Under the leadership of Speaker Straus last year, the Texas House overwhelmingly approved border-security legislation that Governor Greg Abbott deemed a legislative emergency. The package of legislation approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Abbott:

• Put hundreds of new troops along the Texas-Mexico border
• Authorized thousands of cameras to help law enforcement apprehend criminals
• Provided law enforcement with aviation assets and other tools needed to protect public safety
• Strengthened efforts to combat human trafficking
• Codified the state’s Border Prosecution Unit, giving prosecutors additional resources to convict criminals

Speaker Straus represents House District 121, which includes parts of northern San Antonio and the communities of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and Olmos Park.

Editor's note: Breitbart Texas Managing Editor Brandon Darby has strongly questioned these attacks and said they are not true.