Governor Greg Abbott announced today that he has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard to deploy personnel and tactical assets to Austin ahead of a planned “No Kings” demonstration, citing concerns over potential violence and property damage.
“Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas,” Abbott said in a press release. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to deploy all necessary law enforcement officials and resources to ensure the safety of Austin residents. Texas will deter criminal mischief and work with local law enforcement to arrest anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property.”
Under the governor’s orders, DPS personnel—including state troopers, Special Agents, and Texas Rangers—will be surged to Austin alongside Texas National Guard soldiers. The deployment will include support from aircraft and other tactical assets. According to DPS officials, this surge is in addition to the thousands of troopers already stationed throughout the state.
DPS’ Homeland Security Division is monitoring the planned protest, as well as any other potential demonstrations across Texas. Officials said they will investigate any links to known terrorist organizations and pursue legal action against participants who engage in unlawful activity.
The “No Kings” protests are organized nationwide to oppose what the organizers describe as the Trump administration’s policies on mass deportation, election interference, and the reduction of health care, environmental protections, and education funding. In Texas, demonstrations are planned in multiple cities, including Austin, Houston, Lubbock, and McAllen.
Abbott did not indicate whether National Guard deployments will extend to other Texas cities.
The governor’s decision follows comments from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy earlier this week linking the protests to antifascist groups, which President Trump has designated as a terrorist organization.
Similar protests occurred across Texas in June, from McAllen to Midland, and were largely peaceful. At that time, Abbott deployed approximately 5,000 National Guard members to maintain order. National Guard deployments have also occurred elsewhere: in June, President Trump ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles during No Kings protests, though a federal judge later ruled that the use of federal military forces in that instance exceeded presidential authority.
