Two Republican governors are ready to show force toward “No Kings” protests on Saturday.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said he will deploy the National Guard, MSNBC reported.
“Between the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, more than a dozen protesters were arrested in Austin,” he wrote on X. “Peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested.”
He added, “FAFO” — the acronym for “f— around and find out.”
Abbott followed up that post by reiterating the National Guard will be deployed to keep “peace and order.”
“Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order,” Abbott wrote. “Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest. @TexasGuard will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.
On Thursday, Abbott said he readied more than 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state police officers to be deployed.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) echoed Abbott’s words.
“The minute you cross into attacking law enforcement, any type of rioting, any type of vandalism, looting, just be prepared to have the law come down on you,” DeSantis said Tuesday. “And we will make an example of you — you can guarantee it.”
