Texas National Guard Mobilized in Austin in Anticipation of 'No Kings' Demonstration

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In a proactive move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed on Thursday plans to send members of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard to Austin. This deployment is in anticipation of a ‘No Kings’ protest scheduled to occur at the State Capitol on Saturday afternoon.

The governor has described the protest as being “antifa-linked,” though he provided no further details to substantiate this claim. Efforts by KXAN to obtain more information from Abbott’s office on the basis of this characterization have yet to yield a response. We will update the story should additional information become available.

“Texas stands firm against violence and destruction,” Abbott stated. “I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to mobilize all necessary law enforcement personnel and resources to protect the residents of Austin. Our strategy is to prevent criminal activities and collaborate with local authorities to apprehend anyone involved in violence or property damage.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson weighed in, clarifying that the Texas National Guard will only be deployed to the streets if an emergency situation arises that necessitates their presence.

Meanwhile, the discussion around the protest has drawn broader attention, with former President Donald Trump dismissing an Austin resolution that would have waived fees for the ‘No Kings’ protest. This item had previously been removed from the agenda, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative.

The governor said troopers, special agents, Texas Rangers and Texas National Guard soldiers would be “surged” to Austin. The governor’s office did not say how many personnel it planned to send.

“These law enforcement officers and soldiers will be supported by aircraft and other tactical assets,” a news release from Abbott’s team said. “DPS’ Homeland Security Division is actively monitoring the planned protest in Austin, as well as any other potential violent demonstrations across the state. DPS will investigate any links to known terrorist organizations and swiftly bring charges against those who engage in unlawful activity.”

KXAN asked Mirto if the protest was linked to antifa, and Mirto emphasized that “antifa is not a real organization.”

“It’s a word that some pundits use to discredit the hard working Americans that want to live in a democracy and are organizing, doing their civic duty, using their First Amendment rights,” Mirto said.

It’s not the first time this has happened. In June, Abbott ordered state resources to respond to the first “No Kings” day of action protest in Austin. That June protest and Saturday’s protest are being organized by the same national group. Following the June protest, the Austin Police Department said on social media that “with the exception of a small number of agitators, the event remained largely peaceful.”

“We are disappointed that the governor is choosing to spend Texans’ tax money on deploying additional resources to police a nonviolent, First Amendment event when there are so many Texans in need of housing, transportation, health care, quality education and there are still victims of the devastating July 4 flood right here in Central Texas that need the governor to sign an executive order providing aid,” Mirto said.

Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu said that “the Texas we love was built on freedom from tyranny, not submission to it.”

“Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.” Wu said. “By inviting armed soldiers into our streets, the governor has sold out our sovereignty to a corrupt politician looking to distract you from the Epstein Files, rising prices at the grocery store, and more Texans than ever unable to realize the dream of homeownership.”

Saturday’s protest will start at the Texas Capitol at 2 p.m., where some leaders will speak about the movement. At 2:30 p.m., protesters are expected to march together to Auditorium Shores. From 3 to 5:30 p.m., protesters will meet with dozens of organizations to continue protesting.

Mirto said they expect 20,000 to 30,000 people on Saturday to show up to the protest.