Texas DPS increases presence in downtown, around UT campus in response to directive from Abbott

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety is increasing its presence in Downtown Austin and the University of Texas in response to a directive by the governor following recent stabbings.

Last week Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to the director of DPS ordering troopers to do extra patrols around state facilities after a homeless man stabbed and killed an employee at a Freebirds World Burrito on South Congress.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott pens letter to TxDPS, troopers ordered to do extra patrols around state buildings

There are now patrols within two blocks of any state building in Austin, including the Texas State Capitol complex and the University of Texas campus.

RELATED: Texas DPS increases patrols in downtown Austin and around UT

On Monday, UT Police tweeted photos of officers biking on the streets in an effort to keep students safe on and off-campus.

SafeHorns, an organization of parents, students, and stakeholders committed to improving safety on and off campus at UT sent a statement:

FOX 7 Austin has reached out to Texas DPS asking how long these measures will be in place but has received no response yet.