Park Rangers Harassed Homeless & Used Racial Slurs Says New Report

Several Mesa, Arizona park rangers are under investigation following disturbing allegations of abuse and racism, with one ranger now facing criminal charges. According to police records obtained by Arizona’s Family, the misconduct came to light on April 11 after a park ranger reported discovering a gun in fellow ranger Joshua Amado’s desk. The whistleblower claimed Amado had confiscated the firearm from a homeless man weeks earlier and, along with another ranger, used a racial slur when discussing the incident, saying if “things went sideways,” they would dispose of the weapon. After the gun remained unreported for two weeks, the ranger alerted authorities, who traced it to a December 29 missing firearm report.

Further investigation revealed troubling conversations about a so-called “Goon Squad,” allegedly formed by a group of rangers to target homeless people and Black individuals. “Gooning,” as described in police documents, involved using excessive force and failing to log confiscated drugs. The group reportedly had custom patches made with symbols like skulls and lightning bolts, with “Goon Squad” and “Mesa, AZ” embroidered on them.

When questioned on April 22, Amado claimed he found the gun in a homeless man’s backpack and forgot to report it. He denied knowing anything about the Goon Squad or the patches, but police later arrested him on a theft charge. “I didn’t steal it,” Amado allegedly told investigators, insisting he had merely “acquired it.” He resigned from his position days later, just as the city began the termination process.

At least two other rangers were named in connection with the Goon Squad, and several remain on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. In response, Mesa city officials expressed being “deeply disturbed” by the allegations and announced that the Mesa Police Department will now oversee the park ranger unit to uphold “appropriate oversight and professional standards.” The investigation has sparked outrage and concern about racist abuse and mistreatment of vulnerable populations by city employees tasked with public safety.

Link: AZ Family