AUSTIN, Tex. (KGNS) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced plans to deploy the Texas National Guard to Austin ahead of an upcoming “No Kings” protest.
The statement was released by the Office of the Texas Governor on Thursday, October 16, and reads:
“Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas National Guard to deploy personnel and tactical assets to Austin ahead of a planned antifa-linked demonstration to protect Texans and their property.
‘Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas,’ said Governor Abbott. ‘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.’
At the direction of Governor Abbott, DPS law enforcement personnel, including state troopers, Special Agents, and Texas Rangers, along with Texas National Guard soldiers, will be surged to the Austin area to maintain law and order. This is in addition to the thousands of DPS troopers already stationed throughout the state. These law enforcement officers and soldiers will be supported by aircraft and other tactical assets.
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.”
Abbott also shared a post on social media about the protest, which can be viewed below:
Today, I directed the Dept. of Public Safety and National Guard to surge forces into Austin ahead of an Antifa-linked protest.
Texas will NOT tolerate chaos.
Anyone destroying property or committing acts of violence will be swiftly arrested.
Law and order will be enforced.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 16, 2025
This comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on September 22 that designated Antifa, short for anti-fascist, as a domestic terrorist organization.
In the order, he described antifa as “a militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States government, law enforcement authorities and our system of law.”
In June, Abbott deployed the National Guard to San Antonio and other parts of Texas for planned immigration rallies, including the first “No Kings” protest.
The protest is set to take place nationwide on Saturday, October 18, to speak out against actions taken by the Trump administration.
To learn more about the protest, including a list of partners and participating cities, click here.
For more headlines, click here.
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