Gov. Abbott directs Texas DPS to bolster security at religious spaces

AUSTIN, Texas (KLTV) - Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security at religious spaces, his office announced Tuesday.

The directive comes after "the escalation of violent attacks against people and places of faith across the nation," according to Abbott’s office. DPS will work with local and federal law enforcement officials to identify threats and prevent life-threatening attacks before they happen under the goal of increasing safety and security.

“Places of worship are sacred,” said Abbott in a statement. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”