Austin lawmaker asks Abbott to explain militia groups presence
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, is asking Gov. Greg Abbott to explain why a private militia group appeared at a Saturday campaign stop in McAllen.
Abbott, who’s running for reelection, visited with supporters but also drew protesters — some of whom were stunned when they noticed armed, camouflage-wearing members of the Texas State Militia. The group reportedly stood with local law enforcement and observed protestors.
“Some protesters and members of the Texas State Militia were seen speaking casually, along with staff members from Gov. Abbott’s campaign,” according to the Rio Grande Guardian.
Hinojosa raised questions about their connection to Abbott.
In a letter sent Tuesday to the governor, the lawmaker writes, “A peaceful protester who attended the event has publicly posted on social media that the militia was hired or engaged by you or your campaign. If this is true, I have grave concerns about a private group, that is not bound by the same constraints of law enforcement, seemingly asserting authority (by virtue of their military-style uniforms and possession of assault-style rifles) in the name of the governor over peaceful attendees at political events.”
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/austin-lawmaker-asks-abbott-explain-militia-group-presence/LyWSDABn5qmtcYSf5N0AaJ/
