TEXAS -- As outcry over the death of George Floyd continues in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and across the nation, protesters came out beginning Friday night in Texas, and by Saturday they were substantial.

What You Need To Know


  • George Floyd killed in Minneapolis police custody on May 25

  • Incident sparked outrage, demonstrations in Minnesota and other major cities

  • Protests took place in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas

  • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed DPS troopers, Texas National Guard to aid police departments 

People began gathering outside Austin Police Department headquarters Friday night, and the department subsequently reported one officer had to be treated for injuries.

By noon Saturday protesters had again gathered in front of APD headquarters. In anticipation, officers earlier in the day boarded up the building. 

In addition to protesting the death of George Floyd, some demonstrators called for the resignation of Austin Police Chief Brian Manley over the April death of Mike Ramos. Ramos was shot and killed by an Austin police officer. The case is headed to a grand jury.

About 1:15 p.m. Saturday, protesters moved to Interstate 35, impeding traffic.

As the situation in Austin grew increasing tense, Gov. Abbott announced he was deploying Department of Public Safety troopers to aid police with the crowds in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. After 7 p.m. Saturday, Abbott activated the National Guard, stating: ""Texans have every right to exercise their first amendment rights, but violence and looting will not be tolerated."

A little past 3 p.m. Saturday in Austin, the bulk of the protesters began making their way from APD headquarters up Congress Avenue and to the Texas State Capitol. 

In San Antonio Saturday, protests were mostly peaceful as of 8 p.m., with demonstrators starting at Travis Park, marching to San Antonio Police Department headquarters, and then back to the park. 

Stay with Spectrum News for updates on this developing story.