Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed National Guard troops in response to escalating riots in Austin that mirror unrest seen in Los Angeles. The move follows a series of confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, which resulted in eight people being arrested and four officers hospitalized.
By Wednesday during the riots, Governor Abbott announced the deployment of National Guard troops statewide in anticipation of continued unrest amid the violent riots. The decision also comes as Texas is expecting to see more demonstrations on Saturday that are part of the “No Kings” protests taking place across the country.
"The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources to uphold law and order across our state," Abbott’s press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told Fox News. "Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed."
Mahaleris emphasized that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, the state “will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles.”
"Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law," he added.
The unrest began on Monday night at the Texas Capitol and continued as anti-ICE agitators marched through downtown Austin, eventually gathering outside the JJ Pickle Federal Building. According to the Austin Police Department, “Individuals began defacing property with graffiti.”
“Officers issued dispersal orders and moved the crowd west along 8th Street. Two individuals were arrested for criminal mischief related to the graffiti," police revealed.
Tensions grew as some began throwing rocks at officers. Police reported that, in an effort to de-escalate, they briefly pulled back but were forced to hold their position when the crowd advanced. Officers used pepper balls to disperse the rioters.
As officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety deployed tear gas to deter rioters from the federal building, some reportedly threw scooters and barricades into roadways.
By the end of the evening, the Austin Police Department announced the arrest of eight individuals who participated in the anti-ICE demonstrations. The arrests were related to charges such as graffiti, failure to obey a lawful order, harassment, resisting arrest, interference with public duties, and more.
Police confirmed that four officers were injured and hospitalized due to the riots. Three of the four officers were struck by rocks. The fourth suffered a shoulder injury. All four officers are expected to recover.
“Multiple arrests were made, and the remaining protestors eventually dispersed. There were a total of four officers injured. At this time, all officers have been released from the hospital and treated for their injuries,” police said.
