WACO, Texas (KWTX) Protests in the wake of George Floyd have been tame locally , however, others in larger Texas cities have been anything but.
Local state troopers (right) were deployed to Austin where the front entrance to the Texas State Capitol was vandalized with anti-police graffiti (left) by people protesting the death of George Floyd and others.
Now local law enforcement resources have been sent to help try to keep the peace in places like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.
"Public safety is our top priority, and while we do not discuss specifics related to security measures, the department is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to proactively protect the citizens of Texas," a Waco-area DPS spokesman told KWTX Monday.
While an exact count couldn't be provided for safety reasons, dozens of Waco and Bell County-area troopers have been in Austin for days, assisting Austin PD and defending the State Capitol which was vandalized over the weekend.
"Texas and America mourn the senseless loss of George Floyd and the actions that led to his death are reprehensible and should be condemned in the strongest terms possible," said Gov. Greg Abbott. "As Texas exercises their First Amendment rights, it is imperative that order is maintained and private property is protected."
After ordering 1,500 state troopers to Texas' four major cities Saturday, once the Capitol was tagged, thousands more were deployed along with the National Guard as Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration Sunday in response to the violence reported across several cities where protests emerged in response to Floyd's death.
On Sunday, local troopers were seen on the front lines protecting the Capitol after protesters got too close for Abbott's comfort Saturday when they spray-painted the front of the historic building with "ACAB" (all cops are bad), "FTP" (f*** the police), "PIGS", "Floyd", "Say Their Names", "F*** 12" and more anti-police terms, and reportedly knocked over a statue on the grounds.
"Texans First Amendment rights are absolute and will always be protected," said Abbott. "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."
It's unknown how many arrests had been made by state police who had been taunted by protesters all weekend as water bottles, eggs and red-colored water balloons were thrown at them.
Multiple troopers were injured, according to reports.
In addition to having fireworks shot at them and several of their vehicles guarding the capitol trashed, protesters could be openly heard making homophobic references to troopers and threatening their families.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking information on those people inciting violence during peaceful demonstrations.
"The continued violence, potential threat to life, and destruction of property across the United States interferes with the rights and safety of First Amendment-protected peaceful demonstrators, as well as all other citizens," FBI officials said in a statement. "To help us identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the wake of Mr. George Floyd’s death, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters surrounding the civil unrest that is happening throughout the country."
The agency is urging anyone who has witnessed unlawful, violent actions to submit relevant information, photos, videos, etc. to fbi.gov/violence or dial 1-800-CALL-FBI.
During Sunday's announcement that he increased resources throughout the state, Abbott said the FBI had also deployed tactical teams to assist state and local law enforcement.
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June 02, 2020 at 11:49AM
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Local law enforcement resources sent to ease unrest in larger cities, protect Capitol - KWTX
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