Governor response to violence and protest
The following news announcements are mainly from the Office of Gov. Greg Abbott (gov.texas.gov). They have been summarized for space considerations, but the full press releases are available at the respective websites.
Governor Abbott, U.S. Attorneys Announce Federal Prosecution For Protest Agitators Violating Federal Law
AUSTIN – June 1 - Governor Greg Abbott, along with all four United States Attorneys in Texas, announced today that individuals who come to Texas from out of state to engage in looting, violence, or other destructive acts in violation of federal law will be subject to federal prosecution. Anyone who is arrested and charged with such offenses will be transferred to federal custody. The United States Attorneys will be working with local prosecutors and law enforcement officials to aggressively identify crimes that violate federal law. The four United States Attorneys joining this announcement are: John F. Bash, Erin Nealy Cox, Stephen J. Cox, and Ryan K. Patrick.
“Texans must be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of having agitators, including those coming from out-of-state, hijack their peaceful protest,” said Governor Abbott and the U.S. Attorneys. “Today’s announcement will ensure there are harsh consequences for those breaking the law and that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Governor Abbott Surges State Resources In Response To Protest Violence
FBI Deploys Tactical Teams To Assist State and Local Law Enforcement
AUSTIN – May 31 - Governor Greg Abbott today surged substantial statewide resources to cities throughout Texas in response to escalating protest violence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also deployed tactical teams to assist state and local law enforcement. The Governor has ordered thousands more troopers to these cities and more than one thousand National Guard to assist the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local law enforcement in their efforts. These efforts are in addition to the Governor’s actions yesterday when he deployed DPS troopers to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin and activated the Texas National Guard.
“Texans First Amendment rights are absolute and will always be protected,” said Governor Abbott. “But violence, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated in this state and those found in violation of the law will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster Following Violent Protests
Authorizes Federal Agents To Act As Texas Peace Officers
AUSTIN – May 31 - Governor Greg Abbott today declared a State of Disaster for all Texas counties in the midst of violent protests that endanger public safety and threaten property loss and damage. Under this declaration, the Governor has the ability to designate federal agents to serve as Texas Peace Officers.
“Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights,” said Governor Abbott. “However, violence against others and the destruction of property is unacceptable and counterproductive. As protests have turned violent in various areas across the state, it is crucial that we maintain order, uphold public safety, and protect against property damage or loss. By authorizing additional federal agents to serve as Texas Peace Officers we will help protect people’s safety while ensuring that peaceful protesters can continue to make their voices heard.”
Governor Abbott Activates National Guard In Response To Protest Violence
AUSTIN - May 30 - Governor Greg Abbott has activated the Texas National Guard in response to protest violence throughout the state. The Governor released the following statement:
“Texans have every right to exercise their first amendment rights, but violence and looting will not be tolerated.”
Governor Abbott Deploys State Resources To Texas Cities Amid Ongoing Protests
AUSTIN - May 30 - “Texas and America mourn the senseless loss of George Floyd and the actions that led to his death are reprehensible and should be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” said Governor Abbott. “As Texans exercise their 1st Amendment rights, it is imperative that order is maintained and private property is protected.”
To ensure peaceful protest, Governor Greg Abbott has sent state resources to the cities of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin to maintain public safety. The Governor and DPS officials have spoken with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and Austin Mayor Steve Adler, as well as law enforcement officials in those cities. DPS has sent more than 1,500 officers to assist local police departments. More resources will be provided as needed.