AUSTIN, TX — A small but vocal group of armed pro-Trump demonstrators began to gather outside the state Capitol on Tuesday — an offshoot of ongoing protests by some voters decrying the outcome of the presidential election.
A smattering of people were at the north side of the Capitol to protest the election that handed Joe Biden the presidency. According to freelance journalist Michael Hardy, one of the speakers at the event described himself as leader of a militia called "Patriots for America."
While the sight of demonstrators rallying around various causes is not uncommon as lawmakers propose various legislation inside the Capitol — as was the case on Tuesday during the first day of the state's legislative session — the local protest comes a mere six days after the U.S. Capitol was breached by pro-Trump forces, a breach that resulted in five deaths and destruction of property.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the first day of the legislative session without remarking on the growing demonstration outside the state Capitol or the backdrop of the presidential election that has widened a political ideology divide.
"Over the next 140 days, we have the opportunity to not only respond to the challenges we face, but we also have an opportunity to put Texas on a trajectory to a future of even greater hope and opportunity," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "Now more than ever, Texans need the Legislature to succeed this session. But equally important, America needs Texas to lead the way. If we do this, then we will chart a course towards a healthier, safer, freer, and more prosperous future for every Texan."
In the aftermath of a violent breach in the nation's capital, an internal FBI bulletin warned of plans for subsequent armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., in the run-up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20. The local demonstration grew in size as the day progressed since the first smattering of protesters gathered in the morning.
Given that backdrop, a heavy police presence could be seen safeguarding the grounds amid the local protests. Throughout the grounds of the state Capitol, Texas Department of Public Safety troops and Texas National Guard members kept watch over the demonstration as seen on images being shared on social media.
As violence visited the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, officials made the decision to close the hub of state government as a precaution after having just reopened the historic building days before after a protracted, coronavirus-spurred closure. While the Capitol was open to visitors once more on Tuesday, the reopening comes one day after officials predicated entry from the public on negative tests for coronavirus — a condition prompted after Texas reported more than 13,000 newly confirmed cases of the respiratory illness statewide.
Further adding to the palpable tension was a Tuesday visit to the Texas border by Donald Trump in the waning days of his presidency. Trump's visit to this open-carry state — where demonstrators are legally allowed to carry firearms in support of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — comes as he faces a second impeachment by federal lawmakers. Many blame Trump for having incited the breach at the U.S. Capitol after he rallied his followers to march to the building as the Electoral College count was being certified.
Local, state and federal machinations have combined in laying bare an ever-widening ideological fissure — a tension-suffused standoff between factions loyal to the outgoing president and those seeking to hold him to account for his role in inciting violence in the nation's capital. As it happened, the South Texas city Trump chose to espouse his border control measures adds to the standoff feel. The name of the town where Trump extolled the border wall construction that yielded a signature accomplishment of his administration: Alamo, Texas.
"gather" - Google News
January 13, 2021 at 02:18AM
https://ift.tt/3qcTtm7
Armed Pro-Trump Protesters Gather Outside Texas Capitol In Austin - Patch.com
"gather" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Sqdbwp
https://ift.tt/2Yjhqxs
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Armed Pro-Trump Protesters Gather Outside Texas Capitol In Austin - Patch.com"
Post a Comment