'The people deserve better': Hidalgo criticized for actions during funeral of officer killed in Houston

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is under fire for her actions during the funeral of Charles Galloway, who was part of Harris County Pct. 5 Constables.

National Fraternal Order of Police created a video that criticizes Hidalgo for standing during Galloway’s memorial service.

“This video is 100% accurate,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a tweet sharing the video. “I was there. What you’ll see is a shocking display of disruptive and disgraceful behavior by @LinaHidalgoTX during the funeral of a peace officer killed in the line of duty. She is unfit for office. The people deserve better.”

Hidalgo’s spokesperson Rafael Lemaitre wrote a statement about the situation. 

“Out of respect for the family and for the civility our community deserves, Judge Hidalgo will not engage the same type of smear campaigns and cruel political games Patrick — or anyone else — are hoping to engage her in,” the statement said. “Furthermore, as this video so clearly shows, women — and particularly women of color — in workplaces across America are still living in a time where many still find it appropriate to tell them to ‘stay in their place,’ regardless of their duty or responsibilities. That’s just not something Judge Hidalgo has ever acquiesced to.”

Galloway, 47, died during a nighttime traffic stop on Jan. 23 on the 9100 block of Beechnut in southwest Houston.

“I just want to follow my dreams,” Galloway said at the time of his hiring.

Hidalgo, a Democrat, is alleged to have refused to depart the ceremonial vanguard and take her assigned seat. Precinct 5 Sgt. Roy Guinn reportedly made numerous requests.

According to Guinn, the 30-year-old county judge cared more about being seen instead of honoring a deceased officer.

The National Fraternal Order of Police uploaded a video that showed Hidalgo in the wrong place to which Patrick confirmed: "is 100%." Patrick, who also was at the memorial service, was purported to have confronted Hidalgo.

“What she did was wrong,” Guinn said to FOX 26. “She completely disrespected the service that we had planned, not only to honor Corporal Galloway but for his family and for all of law enforcement. And she did it with no thought at all, no care at all.”