FORT WORTH, Texas _ The Fort Worth Police Department called an inaccurate Fox News report about Fort Worth a "gross mischaracterization" in a Facebook post Monday night.
On Monday night, Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson berated Fort Worth Chief Ed Kraus for not pursuing charges against protesters who were arrested on May 31. Carlson said on his show that Kraus "dropped all charges against the rioters."
"This information is absolutely inaccurate and is not consistent with the actual facts," Fort Worth police said in the Facebook post. "The only charges dropped were minor misdemeanors which did not involve property or personal crimes."
Police made the arrests on May 31 after SWAT officers used tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters following an hours-long peaceful standoff on the West 7th Street bridge. No looting or rioting occurred.
Police arrested at least 40 protesters on suspicion of inciting a riot.
Kraus originally said the charges against all the protesters would not be pursued, which created confusion. The chief later clarified that people who vandalized businesses or were accused of assault would still be charged.
Charging decisions are ultimately made by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office.
Carlson also said on his show Monday that Kraus "suggested that the real criminals in the riot were not the rioters, but were his own police officers."
"This too is absolutely inaccurate and a gross mischaracterization of any statement released by Chief Kraus or the department," police said. "Recklessly releasing such inaccurate, unverified information does nothing for the good of the public and simply creates an environment of confusion and bitterness during a time in which so many are wanting their voices heard."
Carlson provided other inaccurate information about Fort Worth protests during his show Monday night. He said businesses in Fort Worth were looted; they were not. He said three officers were injured during "rioting," but only one officer was hit by a projectile. Another officer was injured while making an arrest.
Carlson inaccurately said demonstrators blocked a bridge downtown and then police arrived to disperse them. In reality, Fort Worth police blocked West 7th Street Bridge as protesters tried to march into the cultural district.
