Austin, October 17, 2025
News Summary
In response to the planned ‘No Kings’ protest, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed members of the Texas Department of Public Safety and National Guard to Austin. With expectations of 20,000 to 30,000 attendees, law enforcement is prepared to ensure public safety and monitor for potential violence. Organizers criticize the characterization of the protest as linked to ‘antifa’ while emphasizing their aims to advocate for democracy. Protests are also scheduled in other Texas cities as part of a nationwide movement.
Austin – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the deployment of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas National Guard members to Austin ahead of the scheduled ‘No Kings’ protest on Saturday afternoon. The governor cited concerns over potential violence and indicated that the protest is associated with “antifa.” Specific details regarding the determination of these links were not disclosed.
Abbott emphasized that the state will not tolerate violence or destruction, and law enforcement resources have been mobilized to ensure public safety. The Austin Police Department is prepared to uphold the right to peaceful assembly, implementing a designated Dialogue Police Team to facilitate safe communication during the event.
The ‘No Kings’ protest is expected to draw between 20,000 to 30,000 attendees. The demonstration will kick off at the Texas Capitol at 2 p.m., featuring speeches, followed by a march to Auditorium Shores at 2:30 p.m. Attendees can connect with over 50 organizations from 3 to 5:30 p.m., aimed at improving life in Texas.
Abbott’s announcement includes a variety of law enforcement personnel, such as troopers, special agents, Texas Rangers, and National Guard soldiers. The exact number of military personnel to be deployed remains undisclosed, but Abbott noted that air support and other tactical resources would be positioned for law enforcement assistance.
The DPS’s Homeland Security Division will monitor the protest for any signs of violent demonstrations and investigate connections to known terrorist organizations. Despite Abbott’s deployment orders, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson stated that the National Guard’s presence would only be activated if an emergency arose. He also reiterated the commitment to responsible management of public safety.
Organizer Sophia Mirto publicly criticized the categorization of the protest as antifa-linked, arguing that it is a term used to unfairly discredit individuals advocating for democracy. She also expressed concern regarding the allocation of state funds towards enhanced law enforcement rather than addressing pressing needs such as housing and healthcare in Texas.
Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu condemned Abbott’s actions, describing them as suppressive and indicative of authoritarian behavior. Notably, Abbott had previously ordered the deployment of state resources for a similar ‘No Kings’ protest in June, which ended largely without incident, although a few agitators were noted.
Protests are also planned in other Texas cities, including Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, as well as in smaller communities. These demonstrations are part of a nationwide movement, occurring in all 50 states and internationally, responding to the policies of President Donald Trump. Such protests, organized by various advocacy groups, have generally attracted large crowds while maintaining a nonviolent atmosphere, with previous augmented safety measures yielding minimal legal repercussions.
A proposal to waive a $120,000 fee for the march was later withdrawn following comments from President Trump hinting at potential lawsuits regarding the event, illustrating the charged atmosphere surrounding the protest.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the ‘No Kings’ protest?
- The ‘No Kings’ protest is part of a nationwide movement responding to President Donald Trump’s administration and aims to advocate for democratic values.
- How many attendees are expected at the protest?
- Between 20,000 to 30,000 attendees are anticipated at the event.
- Where will the protest take place?
- The demonstration will take place at the Texas Capitol and later march to Auditorium Shores.
- Who is deploying law enforcement for the protest?
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard for this event.
- What is the Austin Police Department’s stance on the protest?
- The Austin Police Department plans to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and has a Dialogue Police Team in place to facilitate safe communication.
- What previous action did Governor Abbott take in response to similar protests?
- Abbott previously ordered the deployment of state resources for a similar ‘No Kings’ protest in June, which concluded largely peacefully.
Key Features of the No Kings Protest
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Title | No Kings Protest |
| Date & Time | Saturday afternoon, starting at 2 p.m. |
| Location | Texas Capitol to Auditorium Shores |
| Expected Attendance | 20,000 to 30,000 |
| Law Enforcement Deployment | Texas DPS and National Guard |
| Monitoring for Violence | DPS’s Homeland Security Division |
| Response to Previous Protests | Deployment was similar for June protest, which ended largely peacefully |
| Related Actions Across Texas | Protests also planned in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and other towns |
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: No Kings protest
- KVUE
- Google Search: Greg Abbott No Kings protest
- KXAN
- Google Scholar: No Kings protest
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: No Kings protest
- Politico
- Google News: No Kings protest
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