Texas sends police to Republican National Convention, including 27 from Austin

Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 100 personnel from Texas police departments headed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin this week to “assist with law enforcement support at the Republican National Convention,” according to the office of Gov. Greg Abbott. That includes 27 from the Austin Police Department.

Personnel from four different departments were sent on a seven-day deployment to Milwaukee. They left Saturday, July 13 and are scheduled to return Friday, July 19, per Abbott’s office.

This comes after a shooting the FBI is calling an assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump at a rally for him in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Trump was rushed off the stage after his ear was grazed by a bullet, and one man was killed and two other people were injured, according to the Associated Press.

Abbott said in a press release it is “critical that we stand together” in wake of the shooting.

“As the nation continues to process the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump and grieve the tragic loss of innocent life, now more than ever, it is critical that we stand together to protect our fellow Americans against those who wish us harm.”

“Texas has deployed law enforcement personnel to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to ensure there are ample security resources present to safeguard attendees. I thank the over 100 members of law enforcement who are dedicating a week of service to their fellow Americans in Wisconsin. Texas will always step up to ensure law and order and protect Americans.”

Gov. Greg Abbott

The incident also prompted the postponement of a trip President Biden was set to make to Austin. He was originally scheduled to visit the capitol city Monday, July 15.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper reported last week that about 4,000 law enforcement officers from several states, including Texas, were coming to the city to oversee the convention as it takes over downtown.

The City of Milwaukee estimated more than 50,000 delegates, media, law enforcement, staff, and visitors would be in the city to attend the convention and related activities.

Abbott said in the release Texas also stands ready to support the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August if requested.

A total of 105 personnel from the following departments were deployed to support law enforcement operations at the RNC in Milwaukee:

Austin Police Department — 27 personnel

Dallas Police Department — 13 personnel

Fort Worth Police Department — 46 personnel

McAllen Police Department — 19 personnel

The Austin Police Department has struggled with staffing shortages for the last few years, at times leaving 911 calls on hold. KXAN is reaching out to the department to ask about the deployment to the RNC.