AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds of protests will happen across the country Saturday, including in Austin, Bastrop, Pflugerville and Taylor.
The "No Kings" day of action happened the same day as, and in opposition to, a Washington, D.C. military parade on President Donald Trump's birthday. Planning for the parade began two years ago and was intended to commemorate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
Earlier in the week, Trump ordered the California National Guard and Marines to assist the law enforcement response to protests in Los Angeles. Those began after Trump ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to step up arrests in that city.
After an anti-ICE protest in Austin on Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers to be on standby around the state ahead of Saturday's protests. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at a Thursday press conference that they support the rights of protesters, but that action would be taken to remove instigators.
Activist coalition Hands Off Central Texas (HOCTX) organized the local protests. HOCTX President Sophia Mirto told KXAN Wednesday that the group routinely holds events at the Capitol and cooperates with DPS when making protest plans.
“The group organizing Saturday’s protest has a well-established record of peaceful advocacy and responsible civic engagement, and the event was approved by the State Preservation Board (of which Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick both are members) with the expectation of a safe, respectful gathering,” said State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, who sponsored the Saturday Capitol rally.
Live updates
Information below comes from KXAN journalists on scene at the protests.
10 a.m.
People in Taylor get ready to protest by creating signs
(KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)(KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)(KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)9:57 a.m.
KXAN found at least 63 Texas locations listed online where anti-Trump demonstrations are advertised to take place this weekend, fueled by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants. In Central Texas, that includes Austin, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Lockhart, Pflugerville and Taylor.
Map of "No Kings" protests schedule to occur Saturday June 14 in Austin and surrounding cities. Source: No Kings (Map created by Wendy Gonzalez, KXAN)Protests began in Bastrop and Taylor, Texas. KXAN crews are monitoring these protests.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( LIVE BLOG: 'No Kings' protests across Central Texas )
Also on site :
- Minnesota shooting suspect’s company claims he was ‘involved with security situations’ around the world
- Defying Calls for De-Escalation, Israel and Iran Exchange Deadly Fire
- Kate Middleton's Trooping the Colour Outfit Channels Princess Diana Look