Texas Gov Declares State 'Disaster Area' Over Protests

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday declared a "state of disaster" for all the 254 counties of Texas in the midst of protests against police brutality, and later announced he had dispatched even more state troopers and National Guard troops to help quell the demonstrations.

In an emailed advisory, the governor explained the disaster declaration comes "...in the midst of violent protests that endanger public safety and threaten property loss and damage." The governor noted he has the ability to designate federal agents to serve as Texas peace officers.

"Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "However, violence against others and the destruction of property is unacceptable and counterproductive."

Related stories:

• Austin Erupts In Protest Over Officer-Involved Killings
• Austin Rally For 'Black Lives And Freedom' Canceled

"As protests have turned violent in various areas across the state, it is crucial that we maintain order, uphold public safety, and protect against property damage or loss," Abbott continued. "By authorizing additional federal agents to serve as Texas Peace Officers we will help protect people’s safety while ensuring that peaceful protesters can continue to make their voices heard."

Two hours after issuing the disaster declaration, Abbott announced a surge in statewide resources across Texas in response to what he categorized as "escalating protest violence." The governor added that the Federal Bureau of Investigation also has deployed tactical teams to assist state and local law enforcement officials.

As part of the response to protests, Abbott said he ordered thousands more troopers to cities seeing protests along with more than 1,000 National Guard members to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement officials in their efforts. The move comes after Abbott dispatched some 1,500 DPS troopers to Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio and activated the Texas National Guard.

“Texans First Amendment rights are absolute and will always be protected,” Abbott said in a prepared statement. “But violence, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated in this state and those found in violation of the law will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Protests staged in Austin over the weekend were largely peaceful, with isolated incidents of destruction to private property. Still, Texas Department of Public Safety vehicles that had been parked alongside the Governor's Mansion were damaged by protesters who smashed car windows and applied graffiti.

Texas Department of Public Safety vehicles that had been parked alongside the Governor's Mansion were damaged during protests in Austin on May 30, 2020. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

View the disaster declaration

Police confirmed they had made about a dozen arrests on Saturday. Police reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets when the protesting crowds fronted the downtown police headquarters on 7th Street before heading to other points in the central business district.