Post Pride Raid Ends in Arrest of 7

According to a post on Chron.com:

Protesters upset with the way police conducted a raid on a gay nightclub rallied in downtown Fort Worth.

Seven people were arrested for public intoxication during the raid on the Rainbow Lounge early Sunday. Protesters said one person was seriously injured and excessive force was used.

Police disputed the accusation of excessive force and said the department would thoroughly investigate any allegations. The raid was one of three bar checks conducted by police and agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Police said two intoxicated individuals made sexually explicit moves toward officers and a third grabbed a TABC agent’s groin. Several patrons told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the officers weren’t assaulted.

About 100 protesters gathered Sunday night

Public intoxication?  Isn’t that in any bar on any night of the week?  Regardless, I have a difficult time believing this was just a “routine” check.  Police don’t go into any bar they haven’t been called to without premeditating they are going to get the opportunity to harass patrons of the establishment.  I find it a bit odd, to say the least, this took place during Pride weekend.  I would tend to believe the conservative police of Fort Worth were looking forward to “putting some fags in their place”. After all, the bar is called the “Rainbow Room”.  I know that’s a pretty strong accusation, but realistically, what other reason would they have to “raid” a gay bar?

View the video of the protest from CNN below: