Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) expressed his support for officers who responded during racial justice protests in 2020.
“Last year, Austin set an all-time record for the number of murders. It comes as no surprise that murders increased after Austin decreased funding for law enforcement. In Texas, we do not defund and denigrate our law enforcement officers,” Abbott said in a statement.
He continued, “Instead we support them for risking their own lives and safety to protect our communities from people who endanger and attack our communities.”
Abbott noted in 2020 the state “experienced violent protests that wreaked havoc on our cities.”
His statement continues, “In Austin, law enforcement officers defended the state Capitol from criminal assault, protected the Austin Police Department headquarters from being overrun, cleared the interstate from being shut down, and disrupted criminal activity in areas across the city.”
The governor recognized several officers “were physically attacked while protecting Austin.”
Concluding his statement, Abbott argued, “Those officers should be praised for their efforts, not prosecuted. Time will tell whether the accusations against the courageous Austin police officers is a political sham. Time will also tell whether I, as Governor, must take action to exonerate any police officer unjustly prosecuted.”
Statement in support of Austin Police Department officers:https://t.co/jxlfZxcwZ4 pic.twitter.com/lDlF8bUhhQ
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) February 23, 2022
Last week, The New York Times reported a Texas district attorney said it is “very likely” several police officers from Austin would be indicted on criminal charges for their conduct during the protests.
District Attorney José Garza said, “We believe many protesters injured by officers during the protests were innocent bystanders.”
He added, “We also believe that the overwhelming majority of victims in the incidents that were investigated suffered significant and lasting injuries.”
According to The Guardian, at least 25 Americans lost their lives during protests and other political unrest in 2020. Nine of the individuals were Black Lives Matter protesters.
