Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to enhance its resources for the Texas Anti-Terrorism Task Force. This decision follows a recent terror attack in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, influenced by ISIS, killed 14 people.

“Terrorism has no place in Texas,” Governor Abbott stated. “Law enforcement at all levels must aggressively collaborate to eliminate radicalization that can lead to terrorist attacks.”

The directive issued by Governor Abbott emphasizes both prevention and protection within local communities.

In terms of prevention, DPS will collaborate with FBI Field Offices to boost Anti-terrorism Joint Terrorism Task Force operations across the state. The number of intelligence analysts focused on terrorism and mass attack threats will increase, providing analytical support to local jurisdictions. Federal agencies will assist DPS in identifying and assessing threats from Special Interest Migrants. The Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) will be expanded with cooperation from the US Department of Homeland Security and local jurisdictions. Additionally, partnerships with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other fields aim to implement the Texas Behavioral Threat Assessment Intervention and Prevention Program Strategy. Education on terrorism prevention will also be provided to Texas communities.

For protection and mitigation efforts, DPS Regions are set to work alongside local law enforcement for securing special events and mass gatherings. Support will include vulnerability assessments, threat detection technology, analytical support, and security personnel. Mass casualty attack response workshops will be conducted with local jurisdictions to enhance community readiness against terrorist attacks. A new exercise series focusing on critical infrastructure owners and operators is planned for detecting, deterring, and responding to physical attacks against such infrastructure. Furthermore, additional certification and training opportunities through the Texas Infrastructure Liaison Officer Program aim to improve intelligence sharing with private sector partners. Lastly, DPS will evaluate potential vulnerabilities at the Capitol Complex regarding vehicle ramming or other types of terrorist attacks and offer security enhancement recommendations.