Texas billboard warns drivers to enter Austin ‘at your individual threat’ after metropolis reduces police funds

“Warning!!! Austin Police Defunded Enter at Your Personal Danger” one signal reads. “Restricted Help Subsequent 20 Miles” the opposite signal says. Each have been erected by the Texas Municipal Police Affiliation (TMPA) Wednesday.Austin Metropolis Council voted in August to slash the police division’s funds by $150 million with rapid cuts totaling $21.5 million, in keeping with CNN affiliate KEYE-TV.The funds will probably be redirected to different departments and social companies, KEYE reported.”This reckless act, a political stunt by town council pandering to the novel left, will do nothing however endanger the individuals of Austin,” TMPA stated in an announcement on its Fb web page.The group additionally stated it’s its accountability “to face up for the courageous males and lady of the APD” and lift consciousness “of the risks of defunding not simply Austin, however any metropolis throughout the U.S.”CNN has reached out to the Austin Police Division, however has not heard again.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott introduced plans in August to freeze property taxes in cities that vote to defund their police departments. The state is especially depending on property taxes for income.Calls to defund police departments throughout the nation got here this yr amid protests calling for justice after the deaths of a number of Black individuals by the hands of police, together with George Floyd in Minneapolis, and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. CNN’s Scottie Andrew contributed to this report.