APD says they don't expect violence at ROT Rally

The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is the brainchild of Jerry Bragg.

During a press conference at the Austin Police Department headquarters Wednesday, he thanked law enforcement for the support.

"All of the law enforcement have been 100% focused on our security and safety and for that we're grateful," Bragg said.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo says as far as traffic, they'll be conducting their "Arrive Alive" and "No Refusal" initiatives. Adding that during last year's ROT Rally there were 13 crashes involving motorcycles -- 5 resulted in serious injuries. And thankfully no fatalities.

But a big question this year is...will there be violence in response to that horrific day in Waco last month?

"We don't have any intelligence to indicate there will be any type of retaliatory action taken. And my message to anybody that might want to try that is: this is not the weekend to do it and this is not the place to do it because there's going to be a lot of cops, a lot of eyes, a lot of resources and the chances are you'll be taken down pretty quickly," he said.

The Chief says they've had meetings and conversations with the FBI, DPS and the Travis County Sheriff's Department in preparation for this year's rally. They've even talked with the leaders of groups like the Bandidos.

"We have talked to some of the motorcycle gang leaders. They have assured us that they have absolutely no intentions of creating any issues and we have assured them that if they do we are prepared and we will take whatever necessary action we need to. I take them at their word," Acevedo said.

Acevedo says he's more worried about wannabe's that may come into town to try to make a name for themselves. But he says this weekend wouldn't be a good time.

Cops will be everywhere.

"Some will be plain clothes where you will not know it's them and some will be from our gang unit that will be wearing their tactical gear...readily identifiable as gang unit members. We are also going to have spotters on rooftops," Acevedo said.

APD says starting Friday night around 5:00, Congress will be closed from 11th to Cesar Chavez along with many of the cross streets.

Click here for more detailed information about street closure time.