The release outlines some, but not all, of the threats against the DA that prompted these measures that were questioned by the public.
How it happened
Threats against District Attorney José Garza first surfaced after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced in April 2023 his plans to pardon Daniel Perry. Perry had been convicted of murder in Travis County, but Abbott argued the case involved self-defense.
Garza oversaw the legal investigation and trial of Perry.
“Rather than upholding the self-defense rights of citizens, [Garza] has prioritized ‘reducing access to guns’ that citizens may use to lawfully defend themselves,” Abbott wrote in his pardon.
The district attorney began receiving threats of violence online, in the mail and in person, which were then reported to authorities, according to the DA’s news release.
These threats escalated throughout 2023 with individuals suggesting online that Garza’s policies could be changed if his personal address was posted online and his safety threatened.
In June 2023, Garza received a handwritten death threat demanding his resignation. By January, online users began attempting to post what was thought to be Garza’s home address, including maps and photos.
The action taken
Garza first requested that Travis County commissioners take steps to respond to the increasing political threats against himself in February.
“Too often, serving in elected office comes with threats of violence,” Garza said in a statement. “In the face of those threats, we have a responsibility to continue to ensure the fair administration of justice and to keep our families safe.”
After three independent security assessments were complete, per the county’s request, he received initial approval from commissioners for $115,000 in March—which included $64,154 outlined in county invoices for Garza’s residence.
All security enhancements will be removed and returned to the county when Garza leaves office, which was agreed upon with the county, a spokesperson for the county confirmed.
However, county officials faced scrutiny by state Attorney General Ken Paxton for their decision to fund “special security for [a] pro-crime” judicial representative.
Paxton sued the county for what was dubbed a “secret” discussion regarding the allocation of public money for enhancements to a personal residence.
The initial March decision was discussed in executive session by commissioners under the agenda item “Travis County security and information security issues.”
Paxton claimed the county violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by failing to provide adequate notice of the topics discussed in the executive session.
Following the funding approval from commissioners, several news outlets requested records from county officials of specific threats against Garza and details of the security-related enhancements. Paxton subsequently issued a letter ruling for the release of these documents.
“After the Travis County DA’s pro-crime policies have created such dangerous conditions for Austin residents, it is especially ironic that he secretly sought taxpayer-funded security measures for his home," Paxton said in a statement.
Who it’s for
In October, commissioners approved another $500,000 in funding for security measures to protect local judicial figures, as they continue to face mounting safety concerns.
These measures aim to protect Garza and others in the judicial system “in a poisonous political time,” Commissioner Jeffrey Travillion said Oct. 22, ensuring the continuation of their county duties.
The most current data indicates a 125% increase in threats made toward judicial officers across the state from 2023 to 2024, Travis County Judge Julie Kocurek told commissioners.
Kocurek—shot nine years ago in apparent retaliation for a judicial ruling—said funding may help “vulnerable” judicial officers continue to do their work given rising threats against them.
The recently allocated funding will be made available as necessary for county elected officials and employees responsible for county functions, including Travis County district judges, county court at law judges, probate judges, the county judge, commissioners, district attorney, county attorney, county clerk and the tax assessor-collector.
Looking ahead
Garza and the county filed an appeal Nov. 8 against Paxton's open records decision regarding the release of security records. The filing cites physical safety as exempt from public disclosure per state and federal law, and thus far has not released any information on the specific security measures implemented.
“The Texas attorney general’s ruling is contrary to the law, and I look forward to pursuing our security interests in district court,” Garza said.
