Gov. Abbott readying National Guard for protests, not the first time
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Gov. Greg Abbott has called up Texas National Guard members to at least two Texas cities, in response to immigration-related protests, officials from Austin and San Antonio have confirmed.
It isn't the first time Abbott has brought in guardsmen in reaction to protesters.
Mayor: TX National Guard on standby to assist DPS during protests in Austin
The governor previously activated more than 3,800 Texas National Guard members, including Army National Guard soldiers, in 2020 amid the George Floyd protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Texas Military Department.
The National Guard was not called in for the pro-Palestine student protests at the University of Texas at Austin last year, according to AP News, but more than 100 Department of Public Safety troopers were deployed, The Texas Tribune reported.
Abbott said this current deployment of Texas National Guard is meant to 'ensure peace & order.'
'Peaceful protest is legal,' Abbott said in a social media post. 'Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrst.'
Bringing in the National Guard has drawn mixed reactions from local and state officials. KXAN's Kelly Wiley is reporting on the state's use of the National Guard, and we will be updating this report throughout the day.
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