News Summary
The Texas National Guard is on standby in Austin ahead of a large anti-Trump protest organized by Indivisible and 50501. Dubbed the ‘No Kings’ protest, it coincides with Trump’s birthday and military parade. Following recent unrest resulting in police injuries, authorities have pledged to ensure public safety during the demonstration. Protesters are urged to maintain peace amidst heightened tensions in Texas and Los Angeles.
Austin Prepares for Anti-Trump Protest with National Guard on Standby
The Texas National Guard is on standby in Austin for a large-scale anti-Trump protest scheduled for Saturday. This action follows a previous protest on Monday that reportedly led to 13 arrests and injuries among police officers. The upcoming event, known as the “No Kings” protest, is organized by the progressive group Indivisible in conjunction with the grassroots collective 50501.
This demonstration coincides with President Donald Trump‘s 79th birthday and his planned military parade in Washington D.C. Organizers of the “No Kings” protest intend to incorporate satirical performances and protest art to criticize perceived authoritarian policies of Trump’s administration.
Recent Unrest and Public Safety Measures
Austin’s protest occurs against a backdrop of unrest in Los Angeles, where recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have sparked significant public outcry. In response, Trump has sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles amid rising tensions.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott, a supporter of Trump, is prepared to deploy the National Guard to assist local law enforcement at future protests. Abbott has previously dispatched law enforcement to demonstrations in Austin, including one without a formal request from the city’s police department. This support is framed as a measure to ensure public safety during unrest.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed that the National Guard is ready to assist if necessary during the weekend’s protest, emphasizing a desire to maintain order. Recent reports indicate that 150 guardsmen have already checked into a hotel in San Antonio in preparation for a separate protest taking place there.
Background of Previous Protests
The previous protest in Austin, initially peaceful, escalated into a destructive assembly when demonstrators threw rocks and vandalized buildings, such as the J.J. Pickle Federal Building. This incident resulted in injuries to three police officers and prompted local and state police to deploy tear gas and pepper spray to regain control.
The Austin Police Department is currently reviewing the use-of-force incident from the previous protest in response to videos showing police interactions with protesters. As a preventive measure, the police department plans to be fully staffed during the upcoming protests, expressing support for peaceful demonstrations while warning against illegal activities.
The leadership in Austin has condemned the violence from the last protest, claiming it poses a threat to public safety and community integrity. In contrast, the grassroots group 50501 has a history of organizing multiple peaceful protests throughout the past year, demonstrating their commitment to nonviolent activism.
Significance of Nationwide Demonstrations
The “No Kings” protest is part of a nationwide series of demonstrations planned across more than 1,800 cities, with additional events scheduled in various Central Texas locations. The Austin protest will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Texas Capitol, featuring circus-themed pageantry and community engagement activities to attract attention and promote peaceful discourse.
Protest organizers have urged attendees to maintain peace during the event and play a role in de-escalating any potential conflicts. Additionally, Governor Abbott has issued warnings regarding legal consequences for protesters engaging in illegal acts, highlighting a tough stance on maintaining order during demonstrations.
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HERE Resources
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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
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: National Guard (United States)
- The Austin Chronicle
- Google Search: Texas Governor News
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Google Scholar: Protests in Texas 2025
- The Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ICE Raids
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: Greg Abbott National Guard Protests
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