Governor Greg Abbott Deploys State Troops to Austin for No Kings Rally
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state troopers and National Guard troops to Austin before anti-Trump protests known as the “No Kings Rally.” Abbott describes these demonstrations as “antifa-linked,” but did not provide further details on this claim. The protests have seen participation from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters, and Sierra Club.
Deployment of State Troops for No Kings Rally
The governor’s statement emphasized that violence and destruction will not be tolerated in Texas. State troopers and National Guard troops are being sent to deter criminal activities and support local law enforcement at the demonstrations. Abbott’s history of large-scale deployments is underscored by a previous deployment of 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 Department of Public Safety officers in June.
Protests and Security Measures
- Protests are set to happen in cities such as Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
- DPS’s Homeland Security Division is actively monitoring these events across the state.
- The size of the current deployment for the Austin area has not been disclosed.
The protests are mostly peaceful, with past events resulting in few arrests. However, DPS will investigate any potential links to terrorist organizations and prosecute unlawful activities.
Political Reactions
State Rep. Gene Wu has criticized the deployment, suggesting it suppresses peaceful protests. He invoked imagery of historical tyranny, stating, “Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do.” Wu accused Abbott of diverting attention from significant issues like the Epstein Files and economic hardships.
The Texas Military Department has not commented on the deployment. Meanwhile, the governor’s office did not respond to inquiries about why he believes the No Kings Rally demonstrates ties to antifa.
This situation unfolds as former President Donald Trump’s executive order last month labeled antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Abbott’s efforts to maintain order reflect his commitment to preventing violence and supporting local enforcement in Texas.
