Javier Ambler’s Family and Attorneys Praise Texas Governor’s Signing of Bill Banning Reality TV Contracts With Police

National civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci today praised Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s signing of a bill that bans reality television shows from contracting with state and local law enforcement. The bill was created in response to the in-custody death of Javier Ambler, whose encounter with Williamson County deputies was captured by cameras for the show ‘Live PD’ in March 2019.

Attorneys Crump and Romanucci issued the following statement:

“We are pleased Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Javier Ambler Law that makes it impossible for reality TV shows to partner with police in the state of Texas. It is a common-sense law that will protect citizens — ­­Black citizens in particular — against aggressive policing by officers who behave excessively to put on a show for the cameras. Javier Ambler should not have died in the custody of Williamson County deputies while the “Live PD” cameras rolled in March of 2019. Our client will grow up without a father because of this senseless tragedy. Police play a very serious role in our communities and it is critical that officers behave with respect for all lives at all times. We hope other states across the country follow suit and take up similar measures, as well as other desperately needed reforms to policing so we can end our national epidemic of excessive police violence against Black Americans.”

Ben Crump Law and Romanucci & Blandin, LLC represent Michele Beitia, mother of J.A.A., minor child.