Law enforcement holds off violence as protesters gather across the state

(The Center Square) – Saturday’s protests remained relatively peaceful after violence erupted in Austin on Monday night. Out of an abundance of caution, the capitol building was closed on Friday night and personnel were evacuated Saturday afternoon in Austin.

On Monday night, four Austin Police Department officers were injured as protestors were moved off capitol grounds and gathered at the JJ Pickle Federal Building where they began defacing public property with graffiti.

“Tensions escalated shortly after, with agitators throwing rocks at officers. One officer was spit on in the eye. In an effort to de-escalate, officers briefly withdrew, but the crowd advanced again. Officers held their position to prevent further damage and to protect both protestors and themselves, deploying pepperball towards the ground, to saturate the area,” the APD said.

Texas DPS troopers deployed gas to disperse the crowd, some participants threw scooters and barricades into roadways as a response. Officers contained the crowd near 7th Street and Congress Avenue and made multiple arrests, APD said.

Four officers were released from the hospital after being treated for their injuries; three were struck by rocks; one suffered a shoulder injury during an arrest and was also spit on, APD said.

By Friday afternoon, DPS again closed the Capitol building “for the safety of all personnel and state property,” allowing the grounds to remain open to the public.

DPS also urged the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. “If you see something, DO something,” DPS said. “Report suspicious activity to law enforcement using iWatchTexas or calling 844-643-2251.” Suspicious activity includes “behaviors that may indicate criminal, terroristic or school safety related threats.”

Gov. Greg Abbott surged law enforcement resources and deployed the Texas National Guard to cities this week in order to “maintain order and defend innocent Texans and property. They are trained to respond swiftly to violence and unrest. Texas will not tolerate lawlessness,” The Center Square reported.

By Saturday afternoon, the capitol grounds were no longer accessible to the public.

After a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were shot and killed in the early Saturday morning hours, mid-Saturday, DPS said it had identified a “credible threat toward state lawmakers planning to attend a protest” at the Texas State Capitol Complex. “Out of an abundance of caution,” DPS evacuated the capitol and capitol grounds around 1 PM and they currently remain closed.

DPS is “working with our law enforcement partners to address the threat,” it said, saying that it “has a duty to protect the people and property of Texas and is continuously monitoring events occurring today and their impact on public safety across the state. DPS will collaborate with all local, state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our citizens and state property, as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and free speech. As with any incident response, the department adjusts its operations, including personnel and resources, as needed to address potential on emerging threats.”

“DPS continues tracking planned protests across Texas this week, and our men and women stand ready to enforce the law and assist our law enforcement partners in whatever capacity necessary,” DPS said.

In San Antonio, DPS troopers partnered with the San Antonio Police Department to protect the public and public property, including the Alamo.

San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus also issued a warning, saying, “the San Antonio Police Department fully supports the right to peacefully demonstrate,” however, his top priority was public safety.

“Our top priority is the safety of everyone involved – demonstrators, bystanders, and our officers. We have established protocols to ensure demonstrations are managed safely and effectively. These plans allow for the free expression of First Amendment rights while reducing risks to public safety,” he said.

The department was prepared to intervene and quell any violence, he said. “If police intervention becomes necessary, it will be carried out according to Department policy, with a strong emphasis on de-escalation and maintaining order.”

The Dallas Police Department also issued a warning, saying, “Violence, property damage, and blocking roads won’t be tolerated,” it said. “Violence and property damage will not be tolerated. Blocking roads or freeways is dangerous and illegal. We will act swiftly against criminal behavior while protecting your rights. Let’s keep it peaceful and safe for all.”

On Saturday, protests remained peaceful in San Antonio, Dallas and Houston.

Democratic mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz joined “thousands of Houstonians at City Hall in support of their right to peacefully demonstrate,” Whitmire said. “I spoke with families, friends, and community groups who gathered to exercise their First Amendment rights. Thank you to everyone who showed up peacefully, and thanks to the Houston Police Department and our law enforcement partners for ensuring a safe and respectful event.”