AUSTIN, Texas — People are divided over Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to deploy the Texas National Guard in Austin, as “No Kings” organizers expect thousands of protestors to fill the Texas Capitol lawn Saturday afternoon.
Abbott announced the activation on Thursday, citing a planned “antifa-linked demonstration.”
Local and national organizers have described the planned protests as non-violent.
People CBS Austin spoke with on the Capitol grounds on Friday were split on the move by Abbott.
Some believed it was an example of overreach by the governor.
“I don’t think you should be using military force to police a civilian protest. That’s what the police are for,” said one visitor.
Others, like Justin Keener, president of Americans for Public Safety, view it as a move to keep people safe in an unpredictable environment.
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“What if something bad did happen? Then the governor would be accused of not being prepared,” Keener said.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson shared a statement on Thursday, explaining the National Guard would not be on the streets of Austin unless there was an “emergency need.”
“Peacefully holding people accountable is part of that,” Watson wrote. “While Austin will protect that right, destructive actions or efforts that hurt people, including police, are wrong. You are damaging your city, and you may be giving those you protest against what they want–an excuse to militarize our streets.”
CBS Austin contacted Gov. Abbott’s office on Thursday, asking if it could provide details about the “antifa” connection listed in Abbott’s announcement. As of Friday evening, we have not heard back.
“Texas will NOT tolerate chaos. Anyone destroying property or committing acts of violence will be swiftly arrested,” Abbott wrote on X on Thursday.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Austin Police are also set to be on site on Saturday.