People coming into Texas to engage in looting and violence during the protests about the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd will be prosecuted under federal law, and state authorities will help federal agents to hold them accountable for their actions, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Tuesday.
The violence is most prevalent in Dallas and in the state's capital, Austin, Paxton told Fox News' "Fox and Friends." He added that he was speaking to the network from a location across from the capitol and that "we're prepared," as there are "lots of state policemen across there and there are also many National Guardsmen."
"We're hopeful that that sign of force will keep the protest at least peaceful," Paxton said.
He added that the acts of violence don't appear to be random.
"This whole thing has been planned, waiting for the right moment to go into effect, especially when you see in our state people coming in from other states for these riots," said Paxton.
Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday said if state and local officials don't take steps to stop violent acts in their communities, he will send in troops. Paxton said he would expect that from the federal government.
"It's going to depend a lot on how these states react and governors react and whether they step up and protect their citizens," said Paxton. "Here in Texas, our governor will do that and I think you'll see it as we go forward."
Meanwhile, Paxton said he agrees with Trump's comments about upholding the laws of the nation when it comes to violent acts during the protests.
"In this case he's speaking to an issue that's affecting cities across America where people, their property is being harmed and potentially their lives are being harmed, so sure, this is exactly what we want the strong leadership to do and the president is doing that," said Paxton.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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