The city is gearing up for another round of protests in downtown Austin on Saturday, one of thousands planned nationwide.
The “No Kings� demonstrations will coincide with President Trump’s birthday and a military parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary. The rally is set to begin at 5 p.m. in front of the Texas Capitol, and will include “a nonpartisan, peaceful, creative, wildly satirical grassroots street circus � to say loud and clear: No Kings in America,�
The demonstration comes just days after hundreds of people gathered in front of the Capitol to protest the Trump administration's nationwide crackdown on the country's immigrant community. While Monday's protest started out peacefully, things escalated into the evening. Texas troopers deployed tear gas, and 13 people were arrested.
Austin city officials said they support people's right to peacefully assemble, but will not tolerate violence. The Texas National Guard has been called in to assist if necessary.
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Guard “to ensure peace and order.� Members were deployed to assist with on Wednesday.
Mayor Kirk Watson said he disagrees with the move.
“That was not my decision or anyone’s at the city, nor do we think it's necessary,� he said. “Much of what you see out of Washington is an attempt to create fear and chaos. We should not play into these politics of fear.�
Watson encouraged people to make their voices heard and urged them to do it in a way that is safe and peaceful.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said APD would do everything it could to support the right to assemble Saturday.
“We will be blocking off traffic. We will help them with our motors and escort them through town � however they want to do that � and facilitate that,� Davis said. “But we will be looking for that violent behavior and remove those violent people from the area and allow people to continue. That’s the goal.�
She said the department is working with event organizers to ensure a safe and peaceful event.
Several protests have taken place across the nation this week in opposition to Trump’s immigration action and commandeering of California's National Guard in response to protests in Los Angeles.
