There are two protests planned in San Antonio, including one Wednesday night at City Hall.
SAN ANTONIO — At about 2 p.m. Wednesday, Bexar County closed all its offices and departments ahead of the protest planned for later that night. That morning city leaders echoed their support for the right to peacefully demonstrate.
The protest Wednesday night will take place at City Hall. SAPD Chief William McManus said their forces are prepared for a peaceful demonstration, but they are also prepared if things turn violent.
Governor Abbott’s office confirmed Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby across the state where demonstrations are planned – including here in San Antonio.
“In almost 20 years I’ve been here, we haven’t had any National Guard interaction,” McManus said. “We have our protocols in place, and I don’t want to reveal what they are but whatever we do, we do with the utmost safety with the people we’re working with.”
Mayor Ron Nirenberg said he believes San Antonio police will be able to handle any situation.
“I have full faith in our San Antonio police department as well as our local community to be examples of how we have peaceful protesting and speaking out against a very authoritative move in our federal government,” Nirenberg said. “I understand the frustrations out there. And there is an important message that people are sending.”
The assistant police chief told KENS 5 Tuesday night that the Texas National Guard was sent here to San Antonio. They are on standby according to the governor’s office, but Chief McManus said if they are deployed, he will collaborate with the commanding officer.
There are two protests planned in San Antonio, including one Wednesday night at City Hall.