The Democrat candidate for Texas governor has accused Gov. Greg Abbott of “hijacking” higher education and using “authoritarian brutality” to shut down campus agitators.
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D–Austin), the party’s current nominee for governor, made the remarks this week during a conference call with the American Association of University Professors, a trade association for left-wing faculty. The American Federation of Teachers union co-sponsored the event.
As an example of Abbott’s so-called “authoritarian brutality,” Hinojosa accused him of “bringing in DPS troopers on horseback to shut down protestors.”
Hinojosa was referring to a series of anti-Israel protests at UT-Austin in April 2024.
While many participants in those events engaged in protected political speech, a critical mass did not.
A sizable minority cursed out police officers, called them Nazis, spat on them, and threw water bottles. Local media reported at the time that many of the participants were from off campus.
Despite the difficult circumstances, officers were universally calm and professional. To the degree to which officers were on horseback, it was part of a standard crowd-control procedure.
As the university explained in a subsequent statement, “protesters deliberately provoked officers, stated their intent to not comply, and physically and verbally harassed our staff.”
“Officers were headbutted, spit on, and verbally assaulted by protesters,” they continued.
“Some protesters attempted to startle a DPS horse, and others threw horse excrement at officers. Police car tires were slashed.”
AUSTIN, TX: Protesters chanting “F… you Fascists.” pic.twitter.com/r8yNf7CfJH
— The Texas Horn (@thetexashorn) April 29, 2024
Going through videos.
This video from KXAN intern (and UT student) Taryn Jones. Shows protesters throwing what appears to be water on law enforcement at today’s protest.
We’re still waiting outside the jail now for people who were arrested to be released. Could be a while. pic.twitter.com/8Em5NxuBO7
— Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 29, 2024
Hinojosa will face Abbott in the November General Election.
