AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is sending additional resources to the state's largest cities in response to escalating protest violence.
Abbott, who issued a statewide disaster declaration earlier Sunday, has ordered "thousands" more Department of Public Safety troopers to cities including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, as well as more than one thousand Texas National Guard troops.
According to the statement from Abbott's office, the FBI will also be deploying tactical teams to assist state and local law enforcement efforts. Abbott's disaster declaration allows for federal agents to act as Texas peace officers.
"Texans First Amendment rights are absolute and will always be protected," Abbott said in the statement. "But violence, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated in this state and those found in violation of the law will be arrested and prosecuted."





