AUSTIN, Texas — Austin is gearing up for a significant protest scheduled for Saturday, aimed at voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s policies.
This event, titled the “No Kings” protest, will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Texas State Capitol and is expected to last until 8 p.m., when the Capitol grounds will close.
City officials and the Austin Police Department (APD) are taking precautions and preparing for the influx of demonstrators.
The nationwide protests coincide with a parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary and also mark President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Prominent speakers, including Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) and State Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin), along with attorneys Pooja Sethi and Sara Spector, will address the crowd in Austin.
State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) has sponsored the event, which reflects a passionate response from Austin residents concerning human rights and due process issues.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed trust in the community’s ability to assemble peacefully, highlighting the city’s history of peaceful protests.
“Austinites care deeply about human rights and due process, and they have always and will always make their voices heard. We welcome and support that,” Watson stated.
In preparation for potential unrest, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that over 5,000 National Guardsmen will be stationed across the state, complementing 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers ready to respond to any incidents.
Abbott did not specify where these troops would be deployed, but city officials acknowledged the possibility of National Guard involvement in Austin.
Abbott emphasized that while peaceful assembly is a vital American tradition, Texas will not tolerate any acts of violence, warning that anyone engaging in such behavior would face legal consequences.
Mayor Watson and APD officials have communicated their commitment to facilitating a peaceful protest while ensuring public safety.
Watson remarked, “I trust the people of Austin. I trust the people of Texas… When activity becomes destructive or creates a danger for others… you’re doing damage to our city.”
Both Watson and APD Chief Lisa Davis stressed their support for peaceful assembly but condemned any forms of violence or property damage.
Davis noted that APD is dedicated to upholding constitutional rights, stating, “Unlawful violent behavior by agitators directed at members of our community and our officers will be addressed and will be held accountable.”
Recent protests against immigration enforcement in Austin led to 13 arrests, prompting Watson to caution against any escalation of violence during the upcoming event.
He is firmly against the deployment of troops, believing that local law enforcement is sufficiently equipped to handle the situation without further militarization.
“I don’t believe that we should militarize the streets of the capital city of the state of Texas,” Watson articulated, calling the decision to bring in National Guard troops a poor message.
Other officials have condemned the National Guard deployment as an intimidation tactic, with Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes echoing Watson’s concerns.
Watson added, “It chills peaceful, constitutionally-protected activity. It chills people wanting to engage in that.”
Caro Archar from the ACLU of Texas expressed worries about the potential for heightened tension due to the state’s preemptive National Guard deployment.
“You are introducing tension to a situation that doesn’t inherently need to be tense by creating this more antagonistic dynamic,” Archar stated.
She cautioned that such actions could deter individuals from protesting freely and contribute to feelings of being unfairly policed.
The APD is making comprehensive plans to monitor and respond to the demonstrations effectively.
Davis highlighted that additional officers, including bike and mounted patrols and air units, will be assigned on-site to ensure safety.
Her approach focuses on minimizing restrictions on individual freedoms while swiftly addressing any violent behavior.
“I don’t want officers to have to make arrests. I don’t want officers to use force,” Davis emphasized.
The events will occur on Capitol grounds, which falls under the jurisdiction of the DPS.
DPS has the authority to call in National Guard personnel, and APD is coordinating closely with them to maintain order while respecting protesters’ rights.
Davis urged the public to report any violent behavior to officers on-site to allow for a peaceful continuation of the protest.
The ACLU of Texas has reminded protesters of their First Amendment rights ahead of the weekend events.
Archar pointed out that disruptive actions can still be considered peaceful as long as organizers have obtained necessary permits to block roadways.
Davis reassured the public that Saturday’s event would differ significantly from the protests witnessed in May 2020, during which APD used less-lethal rounds to control crowds, leading to injuries and subsequent lawsuits.
She confirmed that the department no longer employs such methods.
Additionally, APD has been in communication with event organizers to discuss protest rules and how they can facilitate a peaceful gathering.
As Austin awaits the weekend’s events, the balance between the right to protest and the need for public safety remains at the forefront of the city leaders’ discussions.
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