Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Military Department to activate service members under “Operation Fury Shield,” significantly expanding patrols at energy facilities, ports, and along the southern border as state leaders prepare for potential retaliation following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
In a written statement Sunday, Abbott said he directed the Texas Military Department to work alongside state and federal partners to safeguard communities and critical infrastructure across the Lone Star State.
“Yesterday, I directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield to work alongside state and federal partners to safeguard our communities and critical infrastructure,” Abbott said. “Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border. We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites.”
The deployment includes heightened cybersecurity operations and expanded surveillance capabilities, including the use of unmanned aerial systems. Abbott also ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and monitoring around potential high-value targets that could face retaliatory threats.
“I also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance,” Abbott added. “Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities.”
The governor’s announcement comes as federal agencies across the country have raised alert levels amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Abbott also addressed the deadly mass shooting in downtown Austin early Sunday that left three people dead, including the suspect, and 17 injured. In response, he ordered DPS to increase patrols and deploy additional law enforcement personnel to the city’s Sixth Street entertainment district during weekends.
“Today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends,” Abbott said. “We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity.”
Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined the Austin investigation following reports of potential links to terrorism.
“Texans are strong,” Abbott said. “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation.”
