Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will deploy National Guard troops and Department of Public Safety officers to Austin ahead of Saturday’s No Kings protest.
In a statement released Thursday, the Republican governor said he’s deploying the personnel to the state capital because of a “planned antifa-linked demonstration.” However, he offered no proof the anti-Trump march and rally is connected to antifa, a loose movement that’s more of an ideology than an organization.
The actual groups behind the No Kings demonstrations, scheduled to take place in cities nationwide, include 50501, Indivisible and a coalition of labor unions.
Abbott also preemptively called the demonstration violent, even though Texas’ June No Kings protests were peaceful.
“Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas,” said Abbott, a tireless Trump ally. “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.”
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz echoed Abbott’s presumption of violence when discussing the upcoming protest during a Wednesday interview on Fox News.
“Follow the money. Cut off the money,” Cruz said. “You look at this No Kings rally — there’s considerable evidence that George Soros and his network is behind funding these rallies, which may well turn into riots.”
As with Abbott, Cruz offered no proof to back up his claims that violence may erupt.
In Thursday’s statement, Abbott further stated that he’ll deploy “aircraft and other tactical assets” as support for the troops on the ground.
The governor added that DPS’s Homeland Security division would be monitoring the Austin protest as well as protests throughout the state. No word on whether that includes San Antonio, but based on Abbott’s performative deployment ahead of the city’s previous No Kings protest, that appears to a possibility.
“DPS will investigate any links to known terrorist organizations and swiftly bring charges against those who engage in unlawful activity,” Abbott’s release concluded.
It would be a real shame if protesters took a page out of Portland, Oregon’s book and showed up in silly costumes and inflatables — it’s Halloween season after all — to destroy Abbott’s fantasy optics of busting menacing “antifa” warriors.
How tough can troops look roughing up unicorns, after all?
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