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Austin mayor, police outline preparations for weekend protests, vow to protect peaceful demonstrators
Summary
Mayor Kerk Waresson and Austin Police officials said the city will facilitate peaceful protest while increasing patrols and using surveillance and communication resources; the mayor said decisions about a National Guard presence are controlled by the Texas Department of Public Safety, not the city.
Mayor Kerk Waresson held a press conference in Austin saying the city and the Austin Police Department are prepared to protect people's First Amendment right to peaceful protest while taking steps to prevent violence and property damage ahead of planned demonstrations this weekend.
Waresson said city and police leaders plan an increased officer presence, coordination with protest organizers, real-time public communications in Spanish through ATXN (channel 3) and social media, and use of technology such as drones, motorcycles and an aerial unit to monitor demonstrations. He said officers will focus on removing "agitators" who hide among peaceful participants rather than making mass arrests.
The mayor emphasized that the city will not permit threats or destruction…
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