Photo: AMID FARAHI / AFP / Getty Images
After a sparse turnout over the summer, the leftist 'No Kings' protests are underway in multiple cities across the country.
In Houston, there is an event planned for downtown. The Harris County Sheriff's Office says they are ready.
"We respect their rights, but if somebody was out there to cause harm to other people, then absolutely we would take care of that" said HCSO Captain David Jasper.
The protests come after another violent leftist summer of anti-ICE attacks in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. Hopefully that won't be the case here in Houston.
"I think HPD will be ready for it" said former HPD officer and City Council member, Mike Knox, "There may be some hiccups here and there, but overall I think in the scheme of things, it'll be another nothing burger here in Houston."
With that said, it's worth noting that one of the 'No Kings' organizers was quoted as saying, "The anger level is way higher".
Captain Jasper says local enforcement is prepared, either way.
"We always hope for the best, but we have to prepare for the worst" Jasper said , "We fully support people exercising their first amendment rights, but our concern of course is always public safety."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has dispatched DPS agents ahead of the Austin protest.
There are events scheduled for San Antonio, Dallas, and San Antonio as well.