Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster Following Violent Protests
UPDATED: 3:35 PM May 31, 2020: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also deployed tactical teams to assist state and local law enforcement. The Governor has ordered thousands more troopers to these cities and more than one thousand National Guard to assist the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local law enforcement in their efforts. These efforts are in addition to the Governor’s actions yesterday when he deployed DPS troopers to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin and activated the Texas National Guard.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today declared a State of Disaster for all Texas counties in the midst of violent protests that endanger public safety and threaten property loss and damage. Under this declaration, the Governor has the ability to designate federal agents to serve as Texas Peace Officers.
“Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights,” said Governor Abbott. “However, violence against others and the destruction of property is unacceptable and counterproductive. As protests have turned violent in various areas across the state, it is crucial that we maintain order, uphold public safety, and protect against property damage or loss. By authorizing additional federal agents to serve as Texas Peace Officers we will help protect people’s safety while ensuring that peaceful protesters can continue to make their voices heard.”
View the disaster declaration.
Dallas Police Department Arrest 74
Looting continued last night while many others were protesting peacefully. Dallas Police Department reports they arrested 74 individuals last night and will charge them with inciting a riot. While Dallas doesn’t currently have a curfew in place, leaders are discussing whether they’ll implement one for tonight.
74 arrests have been made up to this point. They will be charged with inciting a riot.
27 arrested at McKinney Ave.
10 arrested on Freeways
1 arrest at Elm and Ervay
36 arrests at 1500 Young St.— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) May 31, 2020
