AUSTIN, TX — The 87th Legislative Session brought many differences from years past.
First, you had to get tested for COVID-19 to enter the Capitol.
Second, armed guards lined all entrances to the state Capitol because of recent events in Washington D.C.
"I don't condone, I don't encourage violence ," said one advocator, speaking into a loud speaker.
Many advocators came to support what they believe in as many bills will be discussed over the next 140 days.
What through advocator Bryan Ortega off was the number of armed guards.
"This feels scary," Ortega said.
He says he's a pretty peaceful guy, and Tuesday was nothing like he expected.
"It's a little intimidating, I expected mariachis and beautiful dances," Ortega said.
Another advocator, D'Anna Thompson, said she understood why the guards were there.
"I didn't think much about it, I understand why they're there. I've always been on the side of law enforcement, I'm a heavy believer in law enforcement," Thompson said.
She and Ortega came as peaceful citizens, an approach Ortega says is the right call to have them be heard.
"Peacefully come to an agreement about what we want to see in our country moving forward what we want to see in our state. What we want to see in Texas," Ortega said.
There could be a million armed guards, but nothing will silence Ortega or Thompon for what they believe.
"Nothing is going to stop me, nothing is going to stop me from helping families get their rights back," Thompson said.
Thankfully, all advocators were peaceful and no violence occurred at the Capitol Tuesday.
