With major protests planned in Houston this weekend, Mayor John Whitmire is pushing back against Republican Congressman Wesley Hunt’s warning of “riots,” calling it an alarmist take not grounded in local reality.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has decisively rejected a letter from U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) that cautioned the city about the potential for violent “riots” during the upcoming demonstrations this weekend. At a city council meeting on Wednesday, Whitmire stated that the letter was "not relevant" to the Houston he oversees.
Hunt's letter, dispatched on Tuesday to Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, referenced recent disturbances in Los Angeles and asserted that more than 1,800 “riots” were being organized across the country, with Houston included. He called on local officials to implement a strict stance against violent riots.
“Our city is wonderful, and we support peaceful demonstrations,” Whitmire stated. “However, we are distinct from other places…” The letter fails to capture the essence of our city.
Hidalgo, who is presently in Paris for a trade mission, expressed in a statement that Harris County is “fully committed to the safety and constitutional rights of all residents.” She conveyed complete trust in law enforcement to manage the protests on Saturday, which are part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement opposing authoritarianism.
The Houston Police Department stated that it usually collaborates with protest organizers beforehand and assigns both uniformed and undercover officers to maintain safety.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed a similar viewpoint, highlighting that Harris County boasts a commendable legacy of peaceful protests and is ready to act promptly against any risks to safety or property.
Council members from various backgrounds voiced their trust in law enforcement, but took issue with Hunt’s tone. Joaquin Martinez described the term “riot” as misleading. Abbie Kamin stated, “We have the expertise to handle this in Houston.”
A gathering is scheduled to take place at Houston City Hall on Saturday morning. Even with Governor Greg Abbott putting the Texas National Guard on alert, authorities in Houston anticipate that the demonstrations will embody the city's legacy of peaceful civic participation.
