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. Earlier, Abbott announced DPS was sending more than 1,500 officers to assist local police departments. “As Texans exercise their 1st Amendment rights, it is imperative that order is maintained and private property is protected.”