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Downtown Austin boards up in anticipation of protests, again

After the announcement that protests in opposition of the 2020 election results are scheduled in all 50 states leading up to the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, some Austin businesses have boarded up their windows. Most, however, have decided not to bring out the plywood.
Although most businesses have elected to leave their windows uncovered so far, 7-Eleven, Total Men's Primary Care, and the post office downtown have all boarded up in the wake of Wednesday's insurgence and protests to come as Inauguration Day approaches. Additional boarded-up businesses like Cuba512 have remained covered in plywood since the summer.
When protesting began in the wake of George Floyd's murder, a few Austin businesses experienced various degrees of property damage, prompting many to cover their windows in a bid to protect themselves and their establishments. The plywood returned to downtown during election week in November, although there was no damage from protests.
Earl Joyner, a security guard downtown, says the businesses which currently have their windows covered are simply taking precaution. While some businesses suffered damage, he said the businesses he patrols remained untouched this past summer.
"You just never know what's gonna happen, though," Joyner said.
Businesses, such as Consuela, a boutique on Congress Avenue near the Capitol, haven't felt the need to board up quite yet, although safety is a top priority, says Matt Ballard, who is part of the leadership at Consuela.
Ballard said the Consuela leadership team would be playing it by ear before deciding to board up the shop.
"I think everyone's in the same camp of trying to see how things evolve," he said.
While the events of the past week and the announcement of nationwide demonstrations have cast a sense of tension, Ballard hasn't seen it change the way they, or their neighboring establishments, operate business.
As the day of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration approaches, the Austin Police Department issued a statement about protests in the coming weeks.
"We do have reports of planned assemblies, and we are working with our law enforcement partners at DPS to ensure people are able to peacefully assemble and voice opinions, and we are able to keep people safe during that process. We fully respect people's ability to exercise their First Amendment rights, and we will be prepared to respond as needed to ensure the community's safety."
- Downtown Austin boards up for election night protests - austonia ›
- Austin starts de-boarding a week after Election Day - austonia ›
- Austin police, businesses prep for Inauguration Day protests - austonia ›
- Austin responds to guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin trial - austonia ›
- Austin's Black Lives Matter protests shape city a year later - austonia ›
- Up to 18 Austin police officers could be charged with excessive force after 2020 George Floyd protests - austonia ›
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(We Are Blood/Instagram)
Communities are rallying together after an 18-year-old shot and killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Funds from organizations all around the state–including from Austin’s own Los Verdes–are being raised to support families affected by the tragedy. Here's how you can help.
Donate blood
If you are looking for ways to help, please consider donating blood. Your donation can help ensure we have supplies immediately available for the victims of this tragic shooting.
— University Health (@UnivHealthSA) May 24, 2022
Our donor room has availability the rest of the week. Please schedule online: https://t.co/0F2lKDqYzO
Austin-area residents can donate blood with We Are Blood.
South Texas Blood & Tissue was able to send a total of 25 units of blood both to the school and local hospitals to support treatment. After an emergency blood drive on Wednesday, the blood center is hosting a Memorial Day blood drive and should have appointments opening the following week.
The largest blood transfuser in the San Antonio area, the University Health System, is also asking members of the community to donate blood. Appointments may be scarce due to demand.
Donate
The Los Verdes community is heartbroken at today's senseless act of gun violence in Uvalde that ended 15 lives too early. We are currently raising funds to support the families who lost loved ones today, and you can join by donating here. https://t.co/52L1ZtbSND
— Los Verdes (@LosVerdesATX) May 24, 2022
There is a growing list of verified fundraisers through GoFundMe, where almost $2 million has been raised so far for families and victims of the tragedy.
- The VictimsFirst fundraiser is raising $2 million to provide “100% of what is collected” to the victims’ family members.
- Austin-based Los Verdes Supporter Group is raising $100,000 for the families “affected by the horrific school shooting at Robb Elementary.”
- Allison McCullough, the aunt of victim Makenna Lee Elrod, is raising $50,000 for her family.
- The Alithia Ramirez funeral fund is working on raising $8,000 for the young girl’s funeral.
- More are being added by the hour.
Additionally, both Rushing-Estes Mortuary Uvalde and Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home are offering free services to families of the victims.
Other fundraisers
An official account with First State Bank has been set up for donations through UCISD to assist the families of this tragedy.
— Uvalde CISD (@Uvalde_CISD) May 25, 2022
Please know that the FSB account, is the only verified location to make any monetary donations. No other source is currently recognized. pic.twitter.com/psQb6fD6Ls
Uvalde CISD has opened an account to support families of the victims with the First State Bank of Uvalde. Checks to donate should be made payable to the "Robb School Memorial Fund" or through Zelle at robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.
The League of United Latin American Citizens has created a fund for victims, which it says will donate 100% to families and University Health has also organized the Uvalde Victims Relief Fund to help provide care for victims.
H-E-B has also donated $500,000 to aid victims and is collecting donations for its Spirit of Giving Fund, which supports philanthropic efforts in the wake of Texas tragedies. Starting Wednesday, shoppers at H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop and Mi Tienda can donate at checkout or online.(Sergio Flores/The Texas Tribune)
By Patrick Svitek
Beto O'Rourke caused a dramatic scene on Wednesday when he angrily confronted Gov. Greg Abbott at his news conference about the Uvalde school shooting, yelling, "This is on you."
After Abbott was done giving his initial remarks, O'Rourke approached the stage and told Abbott he was "doing nothing" to combat gun violence. He said the Uvalde massacre, in which a gunman killed 19 children and two adults, was "totally predictable."
Some of the Republican officials onstage with Abbott quickly denounced O'Rourke, telling him to go away. Another man onstage used expletives to criticize O'Rourke for interrupting the event. O'Rourke was eventually escorted away amid the unruly scene.
“I can’t believe that you’re a sick son of a bitch that would come to a deal like this to make a political issue,” Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin told O'Rourke at one point.
.@BetoORourke just showed up and shook things up. @statesmanpic.twitter.com/Z1FtBwUEdJ
— Luz Moreno-Lozano 🦇 (@LuzMorenoLozano) May 25, 2022