Congressman Veasey On Gov. Abbott's Decision to Preemptively Deploy the National Guard Ahead of Protest

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to Gov. Abbott's decision to preemptively deploy the National Guard to planned "No King" protests in Texas this weekend, Congressman Veasey has released the following statement:

“From the Boston Tea Party to the March on Washington, the history of America is of protest. It was built and shaped by those who dared to challenge injustice -- it’s how we’ve always pushed this nation closer to its promise. It’s clear that Gov. Abbotts decision to deploy the National Guard—on top of local law enforcement—is not about public safety. It is an act of provocation designed to incite confrontation and sow fear. It’s an act to show servility to Trump.

I support every American’s right to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. But let me be clear: violence is never the answer. Trump and Abbott are not protecting the public—they are manufacturing chaos and hoping to divide us. Don’t give them what they want.”