Texas' Abbott deploys 5,000 National Guardsmen to avert anti-Trump violence

Gov. Greg Abbott deployed 5,000 Texas National Guard troops to locations across his state Thursday to try to head off the chance of anti-Trump protests turning violent this weekend.

The Republican governor also mobilized 2,000 state police troopers, agents and Texas Rangers to help local authorities already on the job.

He described the moves as an attempt to keep things from getting out of control.

“Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Don’t mess with Texas — and don’t mess with Texas law enforcement,” the governor said.

The deployment comes as cities across the country brace for “No Kings Day” protests on Saturday to demonstrate against President Trump.

The rallies coincide with Mr. Trump’s own birthday and a major celebration in Washington of the Army’s 250th birthday.

They also come a week after Mr. Trump federalized and deployed the National Guard to quell violence in Los Angeles during protests against immigration arrests.