News Summary
An arrest has been made in connection with threats aimed at Texas lawmakers attending the ‘No Kings’ protest at the State Capitol. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that there is no active threat following the precautionary evacuation of the Capitol. Despite the threats, the protest is set to continue, with a significant police presence to ensure safety. Texas officials, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, emphasized the importance of vigilance in light of ongoing threats to lawmakers’ safety.
Austin, Texas – A suspect has been arrested in connection with credible threats made against Texas lawmakers attending the “No Kings” protest at the State Capitol. The arrest took place during a traffic stop in La Grange, Texas, executed by a Texas Highway Patrol trooper. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released to the public.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced on Saturday that there is currently no ongoing active threat, providing some reassurance to the public following the evacuation of the State Capitol and its grounds at 1 p.m. local time, which was carried out as a precautionary measure. The Capitol will remain closed due to the earlier threats.
According to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a credible threat to possibly kill members of the Texas Legislature had been communicated, highlighting that threats of this nature are unfortunately part of the public life for lawmakers. Patrick urged the public to remain vigilant and to follow any warnings or guidance from the Texas DPS until the matter is fully resolved.
The “No Kings” protest, scheduled to start at 5 p.m., coincided with President Donald Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C. Protesters are expected to voice their opposition against what they describe as Trump’s authoritarian-like rule. Despite the threats made against lawmakers, organizers confirmed that the protest would continue as initially planned to uphold the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment.
The situation has prompted a substantial police presence, with over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops deployed throughout the state to support local law enforcement activities. The DPS also assured the public that a large number of DPS troopers are on hand to ensure safety at the protest and will respond promptly to any incidents that may arise.
As of 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, state troopers estimated that more than 10,500 participants attended the protest. Additional safety measures included the earlier evacuation of the Capitol and its grounds due to the perceived threat. Officials have stated that precautions are continuously monitored and adjusted to effectively manage any potential or emerging threats.
The DPS bulletin referenced recent violent events in Minnesota, where there have been targeted attacks against lawmakers, including the deaths of state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the wounding of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife. A manhunt is ongoing for the suspect involved in the Minnesota shootings, raising concerns about possible copycat incidents in other states.
In response to the violence in Minnesota, Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned the attacks and expressed his prayers for the families affected by the incident. As the protest unfolded, speakers such as Congressman Lloyd Doggett emphasized the significance of gathering and voicing political opposition, reaffirming the commitment to free expression even amid threats to lawmakers’ safety.
Overall, the situation has prompted a focused response from law enforcement, ensuring that the protest can proceed while maintaining safety for all participants and lawmakers involved amidst heightened concerns over threats and violence against politicians.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Texas Credible Threat No Kings Protest
- Wikipedia: Texas State Capitol
- KXAN: Texas Capitol Evacuated Due to Threat
- Google Search: No Kings Protest Texas
- CBS Austin: Credible Threat Made Against Lawmakers
- Google Scholar: Protests in Texas 2025
- News 4 San Antonio: Capitol Evacuated Due to Threat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas State Legislature
- Dallas News: Texas Capitol Threat
- Google News: Texas Capitol Threat
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