Gov. Abbott orders National Guard to Austin ahead of "antifa-linked" protest

[LetMyPeopleVote]

1. Statement from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

Link to tweet

I have confirmed that the National Guard will be prepared to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety and otherwise take actions on Saturday, if deemed necessary. We are told that the Guard will not be on the streets of Austin unless there is a determination that there is an emergency need.

The City of Austin and I will continue to protect the right of people to peacefully assemble. I support people exercising their right to engage in peaceful protest against politics and policies that they disagree with. Power should always stay with the people—where it belongs. I share the belief in our democracy. I am committed—now more than ever—to stand against efforts to devalue and dismantle our democracy.

Peacefully holding people accountable is part of that. While Austin will protect that right, destructive actions or efforts that hurt people, including police, is wrong. You are damaging your city, and you may be giving those you protest against what they want--an excuse to militarize our streets. Let me be clear: I don’t condone the militarization of our streets. I also don’t condone unpeaceful acts that threaten people’s health or safety, do damage to property, and disrupt the right of those who want to peacefully protest.

Much of what we see out of Washington is to create fear and chaos. Unfortunately, our state engages in this, too. We should not play into these politics.

We must continue to assert our first amendment rights to peacefully assemble and to hold elected officials accountable. As mayor, I’m committed to doing this and ensuring that Austinites have a safe, healthy community where they can thrive.