DPS Arrests 9 at 'No Kings' Protest in Austin

The Department of Public Safety arrested nine people during a "No Kings" protest Saturday at the Texas Capitol, officials said. The protest took place in coordination with similar protests nationwide against a military parade that day in Washington. The nine people arrested by the DPS at the Austin event were in addition to the three people arrested by Austin police. The crowd was estimated to be around 20,000 people.

The arrests by DPS included Andrew Joseph Alemao, 37, who was charged with interfering with public duties; Dorian Gray, 19, charged with felony graffiti; and 19-year-old Daymon Michah Grubbs, who was charged with disobeying a police officer, according to a DPS news release Wednesday.

Christian Deun Johnson, 24, was charged with disobeying a police officer, providing false identification and evading arrest; Henry T. Johnson, 23, was charged with obstructing a passageway; and Francisco Limon Juarez, 31, was charged with criminal trespass, the release said.

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It said other arrests included Tyrone Germane Stafford, 44, charged with possession of marijuana; and Brendan William Talbert, 24, charged with walking on a roadway when sidewalks provided, felony assault of a peace officer, evading arrest and resisting arrest. Esala Wueschner, 33, was charged with criminal trespass, the release said.

"During the response, DPS personnel also deployed pepper spray, PAVA powder and a taser to ensure officer safety and maintain order," the release said. PAVA powder is a synthetic compound that mimics the burning irritation caused by chili peppers.

RELATED: Three Austin cops injured, three people arrested in "No Kings" protest

"While we will not discuss operational specifics, DPS collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement partners — including APD — to ensure the safety of our citizens and state property, as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and free speech," the release said.

The protest began around 5 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of the Texas Capitol. After the Capitol grounds closed, the demonstrators began marching through downtown Austin, including the 46-square-block Texas Capitol Complex area that DPS protects, the release said.

Three Austin police officers were injured during the protest, according to a police news release this week. The police also reported three use-of-force incidents during the protest. DPS officials did not mention any injuries to troopers in its news release.

"Texas is a law-and-order state, and the department has zero tolerance for disrupting public order or endangering law enforcement officers," the DPS release said. "DPS is continuously monitoring events and their impact on public safety across the state and adjusts operations, including personnel and resources, as needed to address potential and emerging threats."