Police defunding blamed for shooting death of Austin IT worker

The mother of a man killed during a June 2021 mass shooting in Austin, Texas has spoken out against city officials, suggesting their decision to defund police shortly before the attack took place had created an environment in which criminals had free range to target civilians.

Douglas Kantor, 25, was one of 14 victims killed or injured that day. The suspect, De'Ondre White, is currently on trial facing a slew of criminal charges, including murder.

In the lead-up to White's trial, Kantor's mother, Julia, wrote a scathing letter to city council members, referring to them as "cowards," according to the Daily Mail.

"I hope you will follow this [trial] as your duty to your citizens," she said. "It was you, the city council and others who defunded the police and welcomed these evil people with no regard for life to run and ruin your city."
 

"It's time you see what you have done to not only the victims like my son but also to our family and friends and your city," she continued. "Your irresponsible choices for political gain has put a target on the backs of Austin's citizens and all who visit."

"You have killed and ruined thousands of lives and couldn't care less as long as you stay in power," Kantor added. "Just like the killer, you are ALL COWARDS. NONE OF YOU HAD THE GUTS TO SPEAK UP AND POINT OUT HOW STUPID AND DESTRUCTIVE THAT WAS. I'M SURE IF YOUR KIDS WERE BEING KILLED YOU WOULD FIND YOUR VOICE."

According to Fox News, none of the city council members replied to her, and she doesn't expect that they will.

Kantor, who had recently graduated college, bought a home, and began working in the Ford Motor Company's IT department, was slated to marry his high school sweetheart. His life, an embodiment of the American dream, was taken from him far too soon.