Greg Abbott Deploys Troops to Intimidate Anti-Trump Protestors; Democratic Leaders Respond

AUSTIN, Texas –  The leaders of the Texas Democratic Party and the Texas House Democrats released the following statements after Greg Abbott’s announcement that he was deploying National Guard and DPS Troopers to intimidate Texans during the planned No Kings Rally against Donald Trump’s disastrous administration:

“Greg Abbott is doing everything he can to suck up to Donald Trump, including taking a page from Trump’s authoritarian playbook, and intimidating people exercising their First Amendment right,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder. “Our cities are not warzones or military training grounds, and we do not need an unnecessary display of force at the expense of taxpayers on a peaceful protest. Greg Abbott wants to incite violence against the crowd and try to make you afraid to come out, exactly like a king or those protecting a king would. It’s not going to work— and I’ll be out protesting with you on Saturday. I urge those coming out to remain peaceful, exercise their rights, and not play into Abbott’s hand.”

“Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.” said Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu. “By inviting armed soldiers into our streets, the Governor has sold out our sovereignty to a corrupt politician looking to distract you from the Epstein Files, rising prices at the grocery store, and more Texans than ever unable to realize the dream of homeownership. The Texas we love was built on freedom from tyranny, not submission to it.”

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