The teenage daughter of a Texas police officer killed in an ambush over the weekend was criticized by online critics after posting an emotional tribute to her father that included the hashtag #bluelivesmatter.
Savannah Chávez, the bereaved daughter of Officer Ismael Chávez, 39, one of two police officers shot to death in McAllen on Saturday, uploaded the mail a few hours after her father’s death.
‘Words cannot describe the pain I feel, but I am glad that my father is at peace. You were an amazing man and anyone who knew you knew that, ‘Savannah had written. I’ll miss you a lot. You died doing what you loved the most, you died like a hero. I love you daddy, see you soon. #bluelivesmatter ‘
But within minutes, the 18-year-old began receiving disparaging messages from people online criticizing her for using a ‘racist’ hashtag, prompting her to delete the post entirely.
Savannah Chávez, the bereaved daughter of officer Ismael Chávez, 39, one of two police officers shot to death in McAllen on Saturday, posted the message a few hours after his death.
Within minutes, Savannah quickly began receiving messages of contempt from people online criticizing her for using a ‘racist’ hashtag, prompting her to delete the post entirely.
‘Being a police officer is a choice. Lmao and the last time I checked, blue people don’t exist. Maybe educate yourself? One person replied.
Audon Ignacio Caramillo allegedly shot himself and committed suicide when other officers arrived on the scene
‘The life of blue lives was created literally in response to and to undermine the life of black lives. Unfortunately, there is no other connotation, ” added another.
A third person wrote to Savannah insisting: ‘The life of the blue lives was literally created in response to and to undermine the matter of black lives. Unfortunately, there is no other connotation.
“I am very sorry for your loss, but you did not have to use a racist hashtag,” added another, who later identified herself as a high school student.
Others even tweeted to Savannah the names of people killed by police officers in other areas of the country.
One of the respondents even seemed to insist that his father’s death was his choice, writing: ‘May your father rest in peace. I’m sorry for your loss, but this was your #blm ‘choice.
Savannah’s cousin Mia jumped to her defense and insisted that anyone who harassed the grieving daughter over her father’s death can ‘literally go to hell’.
‘This man was the most loving and caring person anyone could ever meet. It’s pathetic how people can be so unfriendly to a girl who is trying to commemorate her father, ” he continued.
Others urged angry respondents to show some compassion. Savannah also received the support of people who knew her father.
‘My prayers are with you and your family. He was a very sweet man and always greeted me with such respect and kindness during my time at McAllen PD. He was also a great colleague and friend when I worked with my dad. May God be with you during this time, ‘wrote a friend.
Savannah remembered her father as a “hero” in her emotional post, already deleted
Ismael died after responding to a call for domestic violence in McAllen on Saturday, when he and another officer were ambushed by a gunman.
Ismael Chávez was shot dead alongside fellow McAllen police officers Edelmiro Garza, after responding to a domestic violence call at a home on Queta Avenue and 35th Street south near Los Encinos Park on Saturday.
According to police chief Víctor Rodríguez, the two officers arrived at the house around 3:30 pm and were immediately shot down when trying to enter.
Other officers arrived at the scene and found the gunman, identified as Audon Ignacio Caramillo, 23, still in possession of a firearm.
As the cops yelled at the suspect to lower his gun, the man turned the gun on himself.
“The officers did not draw their weapon, they did not shoot, they had no opportunity,” Rodríguez said.
Both officers were later pronounced dead at McAllen Medical Center.
Rodríguez said the officers were not carrying body cameras and said he does not believe the dashboard camera of the officers’ car would have caught the shooting since it was parked too far from the house. The shooting remains under investigation.
McAllen Police Officers Edelmiro Garza and Ismael Chávez were shot dead after answering the call at the Queta Avenue and South 35th Street home near Los Encinos Park
Other officers arrived at the scene and found the gunman still in possession of a firearm.
A McAllen police officer hugs a mourner at the McAllen Medical Center
Authorities say Ignacio Caramillo had a history of arrests, which include DUI charges and assault.
‘This is devastating news for our community. My heart breaks for these fallen officers and their families, “Rep. Vicente González said in a statement.” They served McAllen bravely and honorably and I will keep them in my prayers. ”
Ismael Chávez also previously worked as a Weslaco East High School teacher soccer coach, before joining the police force two and a half years ago.
‘The WISD family mourns the loss of former WEHS science teacher and soccer coach Ismael Chávez. He was employed by WISD for approximately 9 years. Today Chávez and officer Edelmiro Garza were tragically killed in the line of duty. Our deepest condolences to their families, ” the school district wrote.
Despite the death of the two officers, Rodríguez promised that his department will continue to serve with strength and resolution.
“Every day in the face of adversity, whatever the nature of it in recent years, we have spoken about the national narrative, people against the police … in the face of that adversity, we stand up and serve.” said the police chief.
‘In the face of a pandemic, officers went to a door today to serve regardless of threats to us, our health, our safety, and also our families. So we will get up again, and I think we will be stronger for that. ‘
.
