Austin, TX, October 17, 2025
News Summary
In response to planned nationwide protests dubbed ‘No Kings’, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the National Guard and Department of Public Safety to Austin. The protest, which seeks to affirm democratic values, is expected to take place in over 2,600 locations across the country. While Abbott describes the Austin event as linked to Antifa and the radical Democratic Party, the protests have historically been peaceful. Democratic leaders criticize Abbott’s deployment, arguing it parallels authoritarian actions, while encouraging citizen participation in the demonstrations.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety (DPS) to Austin in response to a planned nationwide protest called “No Kings.” This protest is scheduled to take place this weekend in the Texas capital and over 2,600 locations across the country. Abbott has characterized the Austin demonstration as an “Antifa-linked demonstration” driven by what he describes as the radical flank of the Democratic Party. His statement highlights a commitment to maintaining safety, asserting that violence and destruction will not be tolerated in Texas.
In addition to the National Guard, the deployment includes Texas Rangers, state troopers, and other law enforcement personnel, equipped with tactical assets and aircraft. The “No Kings” protests, which first began in June, aim to affirm democratic values and oppose what organizers perceive as authoritarianism linked to recent government actions and policies. The earlier protests were reported as overwhelmingly peaceful with almost no incidents.
Opposition to Abbott’s deployment has come from various Democratic leaders, including Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu, who argues that sending soldiers to suppress peaceful protests draws parallels to authoritarian practices. Meanwhile, key Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have labeled these protests as “hate America” gatherings and have accused them of being connected to radical pro-Hamas groups.
Democratic leaders are encouraging citizens to participate in the demonstrations. Notable figures such as Senators Chris Murphy and Chuck Schumer, along with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have expressed support for the “No Kings” protests. Clinton urged participation as a way to push back against perceived power grabs. The Austin event is organized by Hands Off Central Texas, with expectations of large turnout for a peaceful assembly against government overreach.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has underlined the importance of peaceful assembly but clarified that the National Guard would only be visible in the city under emergency circumstances. The Austin Police Department has committed to upholding the right to freely assemble and ensuring safety during the protests. The police chief noted their role in monitoring events, promoting dialogue among demonstrators, and addressing any illegal activities that may emerge.
The upcoming protests are particularly relevant given the backdrop of tense government negotiations. Their potential impact has been noted, highlighting how they affect the behavior of Senate Democrats. Organizers have reiterated their commitment to nonviolent actions, urging attendees to de-escalate confrontations if they arise. The DPS plans to monitor the protests for any ties to criminal organizations and is prepared to act against illegal activities as necessary.
In summary, the “No Kings” protests are set to take place nationwide, reflecting widespread concerns over democratic practices and governmental authority. With past events demonstrating a commitment to peaceful advocacy and robust participation, the focus in Austin will be on maintaining safety for all involved.
FAQ
What is the “No Kings” protest about?
The “No Kings” protests aim to affirm democratic values and oppose authoritarian practices attributed to the Trump administration.
What measures have been taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott regarding the protest?
Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety to Austin and characterized the protest as an “Antifa-linked demonstration.”
How have Democratic leaders responded to the deployment of the National Guard?
Democrats have sharply criticized Abbott’s decision, with leaders stating that sending soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is akin to actions taken by “kings and dictators.”
What was the outcome of the first wave of “No Kings” protests in June?
The first wave of “No Kings” protests in June was reported as overwhelmingly peaceful with almost no incidents.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Name | No Kings |
| Location | Austin, Texas and over 2,600 locations nationwide |
| Deployment | Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety |
| Response to Previous Protests | First wave in June was largely peaceful |
| Organizers | Various groups, including ACLU, End Citizens United |
| Current Context | Heightened tensions surrounding government negotiations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: No Kings protest
- Politico
- Google Search: No Kings protest
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: No Kings protest
- NBC DFW
- Encyclopedia Britannica: No Kings protest
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google News: No Kings protest
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