HOUSTON – Gov. Greg Abbott has activated the Texas National Guard in response to protest violence throughout the state Saturday, according to a press release.
“Texans have every right to exercise their first amendment rights, but violence and looting will not be tolerated,” Abbott said in a statement.
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Earlier, Abbott announced DPS was sending more than 1,500 officers to assist local police departments. He said more resources will be provided as needed.
After speaking with local mayors and law enforcement officials, Abbott deployed the officers to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin to maintain public safety and to ensure peaceful protests, per the release.
“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,” Gov. Abbott said in a release. “As Texans exercise their 1st Amendment rights, it is imperative that order is maintained and private property is protected.”