Austin, TX – Governor greg Abbott is deploying National Guard members too Austin ahead of planned protests, including events organized under the banner of “No Kings.” The governor’s office has not yet specified the number of National Guard personnel being sent to the city.
The move comes as demonstrations are planned not onyl in Austin but also in other Texas cities including Houston,Lubbock,and McAllen. While the governor’s office has not detailed the Guard’s role, the deployment raises concerns about potential impacts on free speech rights, according to political experts. Some National Guard members remain stationed in Illinois, despite court orders currently blocking their deployment there.
Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at SMU, stated, “It could intimidate some people who are wary of running afoul of law enforcement, people who simply want to protest. People who want to hold up a sign, listen to speeches, chant etc., should not have anything to fear. More broadly, I do think that if Republicans are perceived to be too heavy-handed on freedom of speech, there could be a backlash.” Wilson also suggested the recent situation involving the Texas National Guard in Illinois may have influenced the decision.
Wilson added, “Yes, the Texas National Guard may be deployed elsewhere, but there are more than enough National Guard forces available to handle any challenges that may arise here in Texas as well.”
It remains unclear whether the National Guard will be present at protests in cities beyond Austin.
Source: FOX 4’s amelia Jones
