Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of state troopers and National Guard soldiers to Austin ahead of the upcoming “No Kings” rally. This decision responds to anticipated anti-Trump protests, which Abbott has associated with antifa-linked demonstrations. The governor’s office has yet to clarify the basis for this connection.
Background on the Protests
The “No Kings” protests have garnered significant attention, with large turnouts in cities like Austin, Houston, and San Antonio during similar rallies in June. These events were supported by organizations such as:
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- League of Women Voters
- Sierra Club
Antifa, which has been described as a decentralized network of far-left activists, typically organizes over social media. Their presence at protests aims to challenge right-wing narratives. Last month, former President Donald Trump labeled antifa a domestic terrorist organization through an executive order.
Governor’s Statement and Deployment Details
In a statement announcing the troop deployment, Abbott emphasized that “violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.” He assured that Texas law enforcement would work diligently to deter criminal activities during the protests. Previously in June, approximately 5,000 Texas National Guard troops and 2,000 Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers were mobilized, accounting for over 20% of the state’s military strength.
The specifics of the current deployment size have not been revealed. However, officials indicated that both DPS and National Guard units would be “surged” to the Austin area. The DPS’s Homeland Security Division is also actively monitoring protests statewide.
Criticism from Lawmakers
State Rep. Gene Wu, a Democratic representative from Houston, criticized the governor’s actions, suggesting they are designed to suppress free speech. He remarked, “Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do.” Wu accused Abbott of misusing military force to distract from pressing local issues, such as rising grocery prices and housing accessibility challenges.
In conclusion, as Texas prepares for the “No Kings” rally, the involvement of the National Guard and DPS highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding political protests in the state.
