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What did Governor Abbott say?
Amanda Salinas breaks down the biggest announcements in Governor Greg Abbott's press conference regarding the protests across Texas.
DALLAS, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference on Texas's response to violence at protests across the state at Dallas City Hall. Abbott opened his press conference by talking about George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
Floyd was an unarmed black man who died after Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, knelt on his neck for an extended period of time. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder. People have been gathering in major cities across the United States, including here in Texas, to protest the death of George Floyd.
"HORRIFIC ACT OF POLICE BRUTALITY"
"What happened to George Floyd was a horrific act of police brutality," Governor Abbott said. "This should have never had happened, and we must ensure that it never happens here in Texas."
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Abbott: We must ensure that what happened to George Floyd never happens here in Texas
Governor Abbott started his press conference regarding violence at protests by talking about George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
RELATED: George Floyd's funeral to be held in Houston on June 9
"TEXANS TAKE CARE OF TEXANS"
Governor Abbott also announced during his press conference that Texas will not be asking the United States Military for any assistance in handling these protests. "Texans take care of Texans," according to Abbott.
Abbott also noted that there are about 3,000 Texas DPS troopers across the state of Texas as well as hundreds of members of the Texas National Guard. More members of the Texas National Guard are also being called in every day.
WHAT ELSE DID ABBOTT SAY?
There are people coming into Texas from outside of the state to join in the protests and taking advantage of the situation, according to Abbott. Colonel Steve McGraw, a Director of Texas DPS, also spoke at the press conference and confirmed that ANTIFA is behind the looting incident at an Austin-area Target.
Texas DPS has evidence on ANTIFA websites linking the organization to the looting incident that occurred on Sunday, May 31, according to Colonel McGraw. McGraw also said that there are violent extremists out there taking advantage of the situation. Special agents are embedded out there in these situations and arrests will be made shortly, according to McGraw.
You can watch the full press conference here:
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Governor Abbott says he will not ask for military to be sent to Texas for protests
Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference at Dallas City Hall to talk about the protest around the state.
The press conference is in response to violence at recent protests across the state following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died while in police custody a week ago after former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes.
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Weapon-wielding man left badly beaten by gang amid Dallas protests
Credit: Elijah Schaffer of Blaze TV via Storyful
Chauvin was seen in disturbing videos kneeling on Floyd’s neck as Floyd repeatedly pleaded “I can’t breathe.” Chauvin continued to press his knee onto Floyd’s neck even after he lost consciousness. None of the other officers at the scene attempted to check on Floyd until after the ambulance arrived, despite bystanders’ pleas.
RELATED: Family-ordered autopsy: George Floyd died of asphyxia due to sustained pressure
Floyd later died at the hospital. His death has sparked national outrage.
Chauvin and three other police officers, identified as Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao were fired following the incident. Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
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Protests in downtown Austin
People came to downtown Austin to protest and rally today, despite organizers announcing earlier in the day that the protest had been canceled.
On May 31, Abbott declared a State of Disaster for all Texas counties following protests that erupted across the state on Saturday and Sunday.
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RELATED: Travis County delegates issue joint statement supporting peaceful protests, condemning violence
The disaster declaration authorizes all federal agents to act as Texas Peace Officers during the continuing protests. A press release from the governor's office says the declaration comes in the midst of violent protests that endanger public safety and threaten property loss and damage.
Read more about the national outcry following George Floyd's death.