Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement following an attack in Austin that took place early Sunday morning. The governor expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, and wished for the recovery of those injured.
“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin,” said Governor Abbott. “Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed.”
He emphasized that acts of violence would not define Texans or weaken their resolve. “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”
Governor Abbott outlined recent security measures taken by state authorities. “Yesterday I directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield to work alongside state and federal partners to safeguard our communities and critical infrastructure. Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border. We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites.”
He added that law enforcement efforts had also been intensified. “I also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance. Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities.”
Governor Abbott further stated, “And today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends. We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity.”
He concluded his remarks by affirming Texans’ resilience: “Texans are strong. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation.”
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to its official website. Since his election in 2014, Greg Abbott has led statewide initiatives focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling, as well as southern border security (source). The office also contributed to Texas leading national job growth rates (source) and received recognition when Governor Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (source).
