Governor’s domestic terrorism task force meets at Capitol

Capital Highlights

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott last week convened the quarterly meeting of his Domestic Terrorism Task Force at the state Capitol.

“We must work together to develop meaningful solutions to fully eradicate domestic terrorism in the Lone Star State,” Abbott said in explaining the purpose of the meeting. “Just as domestic terrorism takes many forms, this task force is committed to developing comprehensive and evolving defense strategies to ensure a safe and secure future for every Texan,” Abbott added.

Abbott’s office said the task force analyzed prevention strategies against domestic terrorism in the form of cyber-attacks and discussed the importance of good “cyber hygiene.” Task force members include Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other high-ranking state, county and federal officials.

DPS releases reports

On Jan. 7, the Texas Department of Public Safety released two reports: the 58-page “Assessing the Mass Attacks Threat to Texas” and the 49-page “Texas Domestic Terrorism Threat Assessment.” In releasing the documents, DPS Director Steven McCraw said it is critical to evaluate public safety vulnerabilities. To further its mission in preventing acts of violence and terrorism, the DPS is urging Texans to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement or through the iWatchTexas program, a system that captures and connects potential criminal, terroristic or school safety-related threats.

Both reports are available online at dps.texas.gov/news. htm.

Disaster is declared

Drought conditions have caused a state of disaster in 17 Texas counties, Gov. Greg Abbott declared on Jan. 3. The declaration applies to the counties of Bandera, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Karnes, Kendall, Kinney, Llano, Maverick, McCulloch, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Williamson, Zapata, and Zavala.

Significantly low rainfall and prolonged dry conditions continue to increase the threat of wildfire and pose an imminent threat to public health, property, and the economy.

In the declaration, the governor authorizes the use of all necessary available resources of state government and its political subdivisions.

Ed Sterling the Director of Member Services for the Texas Press Association.