Governor: DPS to increase enforcement in Austin due to homeless problem

Governor Greg Abbott is once again voicing concerns about the homeless problem in Austin. Abbott tweeted, "ANOTHER stabbing in downtown Austin—where both the suspect & victim are said to be homeless. How many people will be killed and injured before Austin reforms its homeless policies? I will have DPS increase law enforcement around downtown & UT areas."

The move follows a string of violence that led to stabbings at two businesses last week that led to the death of one person. The suspect in that case was also homeless. The governor had previously voiced concerns about the issue and had worked late last year to move some homeless who were camping under highway overpasses.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler responded to Abbott’s tweet with a statement to KXAN that said: “Austin remains one of the safest big cities in the country. The Governor could really help Austin and other Texas cities by helping provide mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment, and housing. The Governor of California took such steps just today, by seeking $1 billion to help his cities.”

Photo: Getty Images


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