Governor Gregg Abbott (R) has ordered the deployment of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard to Austin in advance of the “No Kings” Protest, which is reportedly linked to Antifa.
Governor Abbott made the announcement this week, affirming that it is intended to “protect Texans and their property” and ensure that “violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.”
The protest, which will happen across the country, and which is sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and Communist Party USA, among others, is meant to push back against the Trump administration, affirming that “America has No Kings.”
In a statement, Governor Abbott announced that he directed DPS and the 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,” he vowed.
According to the Governor’s Office, the deployment will include state troopers, Special Agents, and Texas Rangers, along with National Guard soldiers, aircraft, and other tactical assets.
The DPS Homeland Security Division is monitoring the protest and other potential demonstrations across the state.
