Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he’s deploying the Texas National Guard and the Texas DPS in Austin this weekend ahead of a planned “No Kings” demonstration in the capital city.
“No Kings” coalition leaders said during a news conference Thursday that they expect millions of people to attend more than 2,600 pro-democracy rallies nationwide on Saturday to protest “authoritarian power grabs.”
Demonstrations dubbed “No Kings” protests have occurred in recent months to challenge President Donald Trump’s policies, which organizers described as executive overreach and abuse. About 5 million people were estimated to have attended the first “No Kings” protests in June, which took place in about 2,200 locations nationwide. Organizers have also called for demonstrations against Democratic leadership, accusing the lawmakers of failing to effectively push back against Republican policies.
In a statement Thursday, the Republican governor characterized the demonstration as “antifa-linked” and warned that soldiers, state troopers, special agents and Texas Rangers will be surged to the capital to “maintain law and order.”
“Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas,” said 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.”
In June, Trump said protesters are “people that hate our country” and that violent protesters would be met with “very big force.” In September, Trump designated antifa a domestic terrorist organization.
Abbott’s statement did not specify how the anti-Trump protest is tied to antifa.
“Antifa” is not an actual organization with a hierarchy of leaders. It is a broad term that can be applied to some decentralized left-leaning groups, some of which have been known to engage in confrontations against protesters on the right and law enforcement. The name originated from the term anti-fascist.
“No Kings” organizers have explicitly said they stand for nonviolent action and defending democracy and that any demonstrators should de-escalate any opportunities for violence.
In Austin, No Kings organizers plan to meet at the Texas State Capitol at 2 p.m. and then march more than a mile to Auditorium Shores at about 2:30 p.m.
The governor said the presence on the ground in Austin will be supported by aircraft and other unspecified tactical assets.
In addition to the demonstration in the capital, dozens of volunteer-organized “No Kings” demonstrations are planned for Saturday in communities across the state, including several in North Texas.
According to Abbott’s office, the Texas DPS Homeland Security Division “is actively monitoring the planned protest in Austin, as well as any other potential violent demonstrations across the state” and “will investigate any links to known terrorist organizations and swiftly bring charges against those who engage in unlawful activity.”