Omaha senator calls out law enforcement, police officer's association responds
Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas is standing by his Facebook comments calling out members of law enforcement for their actions over the weekend in downtown Omaha.
"I saw that with the protesters I was with that were peacefully protesting, it became violent in many different ways. We saw violence with officers," said Vargas.
On Facebook the senator said, "I was met with flash grenades, pepper bullets and was hit multiple times."
Vargas also condemned some of the downtown protesters calling it "unwarranted violence".
"The point is we need to acknowledge both of those things," said Vargas. "That's the responsibility of individuals in my positions, to acknowledge all the truths that exist."
The Omaha Police Officer's Association responded with its own Facebook post, calling Vargas' comments 'false, irresponsible and dangerous'.
OPOA president Tony Connor said protests became violent and were no longer lawful over the weekend.
"He [Vargas] should know better," said Connor. "He should have left the area one or he should have tried to make an attempt to stop these people. But he gets on a social media page and he wants to criticize the police officers that showed up down there [downtown] trying to save the small businesses."
Connor said his officers are working hard and dealing with a lot of emotional tool to keep the community safe.
"I will absolutely not allow some two-bit politician to stand on the back of all police officers to try to elevate themselves," said Connor. "That's unacceptable, he owes the Omaha police officers an apology for his comments on social media."