AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today touted the State of Texas’ reputation of increasing public safety and supporting law enforcement at a ‘Back the Blue’ press conference at the Fort Worth Police Officers Association (FWPOA) in Fort Worth. During the press conference, Governor Abbott outlined actions he has taken to increase the safety and security of communities across Texas, including fixing our broken bail system, securing the border, and making it financially impossible for municipalities to defund the police. The Governor also contrasted his longstanding pro-public safety and pro-police record with Beto O’Rourke’s history of advocating for dangerous policies like defunding the police, cashless bail, and open borders.
Governor Abbott was joined at the press conference by FWPOA President Manny Ramirez, Austin Police Association (APA) President Thomas Villarreal, Senator Kelly Hancock, Representative Phil King, and other local officials.
“Texas has always been a law-and-order state, and together we will build upon the work we’ve already done to secure a safer future for every Texan,” said Governor Abbott. “Nothing is more important than public safety, and I’m running for re-election to continue securing the border, reforming our broken bail system, and protecting law enforcement from radical defund the police ideologies. Beto O’Rourke would have no problem allowing Texas cities to follow the lead of Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis–and that will not happen under my watch.”
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen attacks on our profession that have been different than what we’ve seen before,” said FWPOA President Manny Ramirez. “Radical efforts to defund the police, dangerous revolving door bail policies, and open border policies have left our communities vulnerable. I am proud to have partnered with Governor Abbott in the past to pass laws to stop local governments from defunding the police, to reform our broken bail system, and to secure the border. It is critical, now more than ever, that law enforcement stand behind Governor Abbott to secure the future of Texas.”
“When things got really bad in our city, Governor Abbott had our back,” said APA President Thomas Villarreal. “I thank Governor Abbott for signing back the blue legislation, and it gives me great pleasure to give the support he has for us back to him.”
“Governor Abbott recognized early the amount of fentanyl coming across the border through the cartels and the federal government’s open border policies,” said Senator Kelly Hancock. “I appreciate Governor Abbott’s help and support to put a stop to fentanyl from entering communities in Texas.”
“Beto believes strongly in defunding the police and open borders,” said Representative Phil King. “The Beto approach to law enforcement is exactly the opposite of what Texas needs and is exactly the opposite of what Governor Abbott believes.”
Governor Abbott has been endorsed by 17 law enforcement organizations across the state for his pro-law enforcement and pro-public safety record.
Earlier this week, Texans for Greg Abbott released its latest television ad of the general election entitled, “Dangerous.” This ad, running statewide, features video showing Beto O’Rourke’s support of the defund police movement. Watch “Dangerous” here.
On September 5, Texans For Greg Abbott released a television ad entitled, “Fully Funded.” The ad features Governor Abbott discussing his unwavering support for fully funding Texas law enforcement officers, in contrast with Beto O’Rourke’s support of the defund movement. This ad is also running statewide. Watch “Fully Funded” here.
