AUSTIN – On Sunday Governor Greg Abbott surged substantial statewide resources to cities throughout Texas in response to escalating protest violence.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also deployed tactical teams to assist state and local law enforcement.

The Governor ordered thousands more troopers to these cities and more than one thousand National Guard members to assist the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement in their efforts.

These efforts are in addition to the Governor’s actions Saturday when he deployed DPS troopers to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin and activated the Texas National Guard.

“Texans First Amendment rights are absolute and will always be protected,” said Governor Abbott. “But violence, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated in this state and those found in violation of the law will be arrested and prosecuted.”