DPS: Texas Capitol evacuated after "credible" threat to state legislators planning to attend protest
The Texas Department of Public Safety said the Texas Capitol grounds were evacuated Saturday afternoon after investigators identified a credible threat towards state lawmakers planning to attend a No Kings protest on Saturday.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety said the Texas Capitol grounds were evacuated Saturday afternoon after investigators identified a credible threat towards state lawmakers planning to attend a No Kings protest on Saturday.
The agency stated that it continues to work with law enforcement partners to address the threat ahead of the protest, scheduled to begin at 5 pm.
Lawmakers and staffers also received a message Saturday afternoon from Chairman Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, about the threat, which referred to two Minnesota lawmakers being attacked by a suspect dressed as a police officer.
Former Speaker and Minnesota State Sen. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed, and Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse are in critical condition. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said it was a “politically motivated assassination."
"It seems to be an isolated incident. However, we're always concerned about copycats and those who this attack might inspire," the message said.
According to protest organizers, Sen. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, and State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, are among the lawmakers set to speak during the protest on Capitol grounds.
Saturday’s protest, “No Kings/Kick out the Clowns,” is part of a nationwide action against a military parade in Washington D.C., also on Saturday. The Austin rally was organized by Hands Off Central Texas.
KXAN reached out to protest organizers following reports of canceling the event for safety reasons. Sophia Mirto with Hands Off Central TX said there were currently no plans to cancel the scheduled protest.
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