Latest news with #HandsOffCentralTexas
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
LIVE: 'No Kings' Anti-Trump protest in Austin expected to draw crowds, police presence
As the city anxiously anticipates the first large-scale protest since Austin's anti-ICE demonstration Monday, which resulted in 13 arrests, organizers have asserted the Saturday protest will be safe, peaceful, and focused on 'fun,' embracing a circus theme. The 'No Kings' protest in Austin — set to begin at the Texas Capitol at 5 p.m. Saturday — is one of more than 1,800 planned across the country, aimed at garnering significant crowds to oppose what protesters describe as President Donald Trump's authoritarian-like rule. It coincides with Trump's birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C., which protesters have critiqued as a lavish use of taxpayer dollars. More: 'No Kings' protests planned across US on June 14: See map of locations in Texas Here's what we know about planned protests in Austin and across Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott, a close ally of Trump, said Thursday that he deployed more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops across the state for expected demonstrations, which Austin leaders have said is unnecessary. The Texas Department of Public Safety also announced Friday that it will close the Capitol building at 4 p.m. Saturday to 'ensure the safety' of visitors. Despite the protest occurring at this heated moment, Hands Off Central Texas began planning the protest weeks before the highly tense anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, where Trump called the National Guard and military to intervene before a judge stopped the action, Paul Vonderhaar, treasurer of Hands Off Central Texas, said. Vonderhaar expects a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 people, unless rain dampens the size, more than the past protests Hands off Central Texas has hosted this year without incident. He said he has been in contact with local law enforcement, state troopers, and professional de-escalation experts. More: Internal documents show Texas National Guard scrambling to find trained soldiers for protests The protests also come as news breaks of the assassination of a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in what Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described as an act of "targeted political violence." Another lawmaker and his wife were also injured at their homes by a person impersonating law enforcement. In an interview before the assassination, Vonderhaar said that in a crowd of the size organizers expect, agitators and conflict are possible, but the city and organizers are prepared to de-escalate and are committed to nonviolence. 'I want to make it 100% clear, this is going to be a safe event,' Vonderhaar said. 'We really want to get a circus atmosphere. We want this to be a fun time. Because we've noticed things have been a little scary out there, but it's hard to be scared when you're looking at a guy juggling three pins.' More: Why legal rulings on Trump's National Guard deployment won't impact Texas' troop dispatch Rachel O'Learly Carmona, executive director of the Women's March, Inc, which is organizing the "Kick Out the Clowns" part of Saturday's "No King" protest, criticized Abbott and Trump's deployment of the National Guard as 'stark political intervention" in an interview with the American-Statesman, and said the Women's March is committed to nonviolence and peaceful demonstration to counter "state violence." 'We've been hearing very clearly from courts about the illegality of the overreach that has happened,' she said, referring to the judge's decision to block Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles. 'You don't fight fire with fire. You fight fire with water.' More: Gov. Abbott deploys 7,000 personnel to anti-ICE protests: Texas lawmakers critical Both organizers said Saturday's protest is designed to highlight the 'absurdity' in politics today and provide levity through humor, satire, circus-themed acts, and a showcase of community, giving people a productive and lawful channel to advance change. Vonderhaar recruited performers from an Austin juggling club and clown colleges, he said, and Austin's U.S. Democratic Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar are also expected to speak. Local performers Brigitte Bandit and ResistDance will also perform, he added. The Los Angeles Protests and the ICE raids that prompted them have "been a real wake-up call of, wow, people need to get out there," Vonderhaar said. "But they need to get out there in the right way," he added. 'This is the right event for the moment." Check back for live updates as the Austin 'No Kings' protest unfolds. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: LIVE: Anti-Trump 'No Kings' protest in Austin will be 'a safe event'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
City of Austin reiterates importance of ‘peaceful and safe assembly' ahead of Saturday protest
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin is continuing to reinforce the importance of a 'peaceful and safe assembly' as a scheduled protest in the city is expected to kick off at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Texas Capitol. This comes after the city held a press conference Thursday to discuss its preparations for planned protests happening over the weekend. What we know about how the Texas National Guard trains for protests, what they'll bring That conference was held following an anti-ICE protest on Monday, where the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested 13 people. As of Friday, two of those arrested had their charges dropped, according to KXAN's Brianna Hollis. The protest happening Saturday is organized by Hands Off Central Texas, which is scheduled as part of a national day of action. It is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Furthermore, the city said there 'will be an increased presence of officers to assist with community safety and traffic management on Saturday.' 'The Austin Police Department fully supports and upholds the constitutional right to peacefully assemble and the freedom of the press,' Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said in the release. 'As always, our priority is to ensure the safety of all individuals present, including demonstrators, bystanders and our officers. It is the responsibility of the Austin Police Department to preserve the peace and protect life and property.' Group claims Lockhart judge threatened arrests for 'No Kings' parade plans According to the city, event organizers have said they will make announcements throughout the protest so that everyone in attendance can stay informed, which includes the ending time and important safety reminders. The announcements will have guidance to encourage attendees 'to exit the grounds safely upon the conclusion of the event in an orderly manner.' The city said 'Capitol grounds will close promptly at 8 p.m.' Those who need to exit the area should plan ahead. Here is the following guidance the city has given to safely exit: Identify a safe, reliable way to leave the area. Expect heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic before, during and after the event. Consider shared transportation, biking, walking, or CapMetro, which will be running additional routes and extended service to accommodate increased demand. 'We also want to reiterate that unlawful or violent behavior initiated by agitators will be addressed accordingly. Anyone engaging in actions that threaten public safety or target members of the community or law enforcement will be held accountable,' the city said. The city said it is 'committed to working with the community, organizers, and members of the press to ensure a peaceful and safe assembly.' 'I encourage and trust the people of Austin to let their voices be heard peacefully and in the right way. This is Austin. We're passionate and have strong points of view about human rights and protecting our democracy,' Mayor Kirk Watson said in the release. 'We also have a strong tradition of gathering to express our opinions in the capital city of this state. We know how to celebrate our democracy without participating in chaos.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
