AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- After a night of protests in major cities across the state, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday declared a state of disaster for all Texas counties.
Under the declaration, Abbott 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," Abbott said in a statement. "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."
It's the third move undertaken by Abbott in the wake of the protests. Saturday afternoon, Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy more than 1,500 state troopers to assist local law enforcement in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Saturday evening, Abbott activated the Texas National Guard to help local law enforcement agencies.
