AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday he will deploy Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas National Guard members to Austin ahead of a planned ‘No Kings’ protest at the State Capitol Saturday afternoon.
The governor claimed the protest was “antifa-linked” but did not elaborate.
“Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas,” Abbott said. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to deploy all necessary law enforcement officials and resources to ensure the safety of Austin residents. Texas will deter criminal mischief and work with local law enforcement to arrest anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property.”
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the Texas National Guard “will not be on the streets of Austin unless there is a determination that there is an emergency need.”
“We hope that any additional law enforcement agencies deployed by the governor will enjoy our event, live music from local Austin artists, and the hard-working Americans who are joining together in solidarity, celebration and to discover more than 50 organizations working together to make Texas a better place to live,” said Sophia Mirto, one of the protest’s organizers, in a response to KXAN.
The governor said troopers, special agents, Texas Rangers and Texas National Guard soldiers would be “surged” to Austin. The governor’s office did not say how many personnel it planned to send.
“These law enforcement officers and soldiers will be supported by aircraft and other tactical assets,” a news release from Abbott’s team said. “DPS’ Homeland Security Division is actively monitoring the planned protest in Austin, as well as any other potential violent demonstrations across the state. DPS will investigate any links to known terrorist organizations and swiftly bring charges against those who engage in unlawful activity.”
It’s not the first time this has happened. In June, Abbott ordered state resources to respond to the first “No Kings” day of action protest in Austin. That June protest and Saturday’s protest are being organized by the same national group. Following the June protest, the Austin Police Department said on social media that “with the exception of a small number of agitators, the event remained largely peaceful.”
“We are disappointed that the governor is choosing to spend Texans’ tax money on deploying additional resources to police a nonviolent, First Amendment event when there are so many Texans in need of housing, transportation, health care, quality education and there are still victims of the devastating July 4 flood right here in Central Texas that need the governor to sign an executive order providing aid,” Mirto said.
Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu said that “the Texas we love was built on freedom from tyranny, not submission to it.”
“Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.” Wu said. “By inviting armed soldiers into our streets, the Governor has sold out our sovereignty to a corrupt politician looking to distract you from the Epstein Files, rising prices at the grocery store, and more Texans than ever unable to realize the dream of homeownership.”
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