News Summary
A protest titled ‘No Kings/Kick out the Clowns’ is set for Saturday at the Texas Capitol in response to Governor Abbott’s deployment of the National Guard. Organized by Hands Off Central Texas, the demonstration aims to protect the right to protest amidst heightened tensions following recent unrest in Austin. Local leaders, including Congressman Greg Casar, are scheduled to speak, expressing concerns over the militarization of civilian protests and advocating for peaceful engagement.
Austin, Texas – A protest is scheduled to take place at the Texas Capitol on Saturday, responding to the recent deployment of the National Guard by Governor Greg Abbott. This action was initiated following unrest during a protest held in Austin on Monday, which was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation to show solidarity with demonstrators in Los Angeles. The upcoming protest is part of a national action linked to a military parade in Washington D.C.
Governor Abbott has expressed that while he acknowledges the importance of peaceful protests in the nation, there is a pressing need to maintain law and order within Texas. His administration has reiterated that any acts of violence or damage to property during protests will lead to immediate legal repercussions. The planned demonstration is entitled “No Kings/Kick out the Clowns,” and is organized by Hands Off Central Texas (HOCTX), which comprises various liberal activist groups.
HOCTX President Sophia Mirto has raised concerns about the allocation of tax funds for what she referred to as a “tacky parade” in Washington, framing the National Guard’s presence as an intimidating factor for citizens exercising their democratic rights. Among those scheduled to speak at Saturday’s rally are Democratic Congressman Greg Casar, State Representative John Bucy, and local attorneys who support the protests.
Congressman Casar has criticized the use of the National Guard as a move that risks politicizing the military and suppressing protests particularly focused on immigration issues. Mirto highlighted that previous demonstrations organized by her coalition have been peaceful and emphasized the need for security to manage any potential instigators during protests.
Austin’s Mayor Kirk Watson has endorsed the right to protest but has cautioned against violence, suggesting that such actions contribute to a fear-driven narrative within the community. The unrest from Monday’s protest led to instances where tear gas was employed by police, resulting in 13 arrests and injuries to four officers from thrown rocks and other confrontations.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has stated that its goal during protests is to ensure public safety and uphold order. Governors have stressed a law-and-order approach when addressing protests. In addition, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes has condemned the deployment of the National Guard, viewing it as an intimidation tactic against communities advocating for justice.
The Austin Police Department (APD) has announced plans to utilize “dialogue policing” strategies to facilitate peaceful engagement with protesters during the upcoming rally. Although APD did not request assistance from DPS for the protests on Monday, they expressed willingness to cooperate with DPS efforts to maintain public safety.
The scheduled protest at the Capitol is set to take place from 5 PM to 8 PM on Saturday. With the potential for heightened tensions surrounding the event, local law enforcement and organizers are preparing to navigate the dynamics of the demonstration carefully.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Military Troops Sent to Manage Immigration Protests
Nationwide Protests Escalate Amid LA Curfew
Downtown L.A. Bars and Restaurants Struggle Amid Curfew and Protests
Austin Protests Lead to Multiple Arrests Amid Anti-ICE Sentiments
Austin Faces Clash as Protests Against ICE Erupt
Protests in Austin Lead to Injuries and Arrests
Violent Protest Against ICE Leads to Multiple Arrests in Austin
Tesla Robotaxi Service Tentatively Launching in Austin
Tesla Robotaxi Test Drives Without Human Driver in Austin
Austin Protest Against ICE Results in Dozens of Arrests
Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KXAN News
- Google Search: Greg Abbott
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Texas protest laws
- FOX 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- CBS News
- Google News: Austin protests
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
