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Austin mayor, police chief say city will protect peaceful protesters, stress DPS control of National Guard deployment
Summary
Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told a news conference the city is prepared to protect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly ahead of planned protests at the state Capitol, but said the decision to make the National Guard available was made by the Texas Department of Public Safety, not the city.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters at a news conference that the city is prepared to protect the constitutional right to peacefully protest ahead of planned demonstrations at the state Capitol and that Austin Police Department resources will be deployed to preserve public safety.
The mayor and chief emphasized they welcome peaceful expression but warned there will be consequences for violence or property destruction. “I trust the people of Austin,” Mayor Kirk Watson said, and he urged protesters to assemble peacefully and “not become a tool in someone else’s production of chaos.” Chief Lisa Davis said, “APD takes the constitutional right to peacefully assemble seriously,” and described a plan that emphasizes restricting the fewest freedoms possible while targeting violent agitators.
Why this matters: Organizers have announced protests at the state Capitol for Saturday. The announced presence of the Texas National Guard — a decision Watson said was not made by the city — has raised concerns among local leaders about the potential to chill peaceful protest. Watson said he disagrees with the Guard’s planned presence, calling it unnecessary and saying it risks provoking fear.
Davis outlined specific operational preparations the department plans to use, including increased officer presence, motor units, bike and mounted patrols, an air unit, drones and expanded communications with organizers. She said APD is using “dialogue policing,” with a team meeting organizers ahead of the event and remaining in contact during demonstrations. Davis said the department will use technology and targeted enforcement to identify and remove individuals who engage in violent behavior while allowing peaceful assembly to continue.
On the role of the National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Watson and Davis drew a clear line: authority for calling up the Guard and broader responsibilities on Capitol grounds rests with DPS. “That was not my decision or anyone’s at the city,” Watson said of the Guard deployment, and he directed questions about Guard activation to DPS. Davis said the department is in direct contact with state and federal partners and described DPS’s role as protecting the Capitol and supporting highway or perimeter duties if needed.
The officials were specific about use-of-force tools. Davis said APD does not use “beanbags” and that officers are equipped with tasers and, if needed, pepper spray. She also referenced prior protests in 2020, saying the department will not repeat what occurred then and that drone surveillance helped identify vandalism during past events. During questioning, a reporter referenced injuries from a recent demonstration; the chief confirmed four officers were injured in the prior protest.
Davis said APD will make information available in real time through its social media channels and will provide a phone number to organizers so they can report suspicious or dangerous behavior during demonstrations. Both officials urged people to remove themselves from dangerous situations and to call 911 to report threats.
The mayor also framed the discussion in broader civic terms, saying Austin values the humanity of its immigrant community and that leaders should avoid “politics of fear.” He said city and police resources are focused on facilitating lawful, peaceful expression while protecting people and property.
No formal city actions, motions or votes were taken at the news conference. Officials repeatedly distinguished discussion and operational planning from any formal decision to request National Guard assistance, which they said is a state determination.
Looking ahead, Watson and Davis said they will monitor events, remain in contact with organizers and state partners, and provide updates publicly. “We will be using all the resources we have available to us,” Davis said, adding the department will try to deploy predictable and unbiased tactics and to remove only those who commit violence so the rest of the crowd can continue to assemble peacefully.
