Austin, Texas, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Parts of the Texas State Capitol were evacuated following reports of a social media threat involving an imminent shooter. The evacuation coincided with a protest supporting State Representative Nicole Collier amidst a contentious redistricting debate. Despite the urgency, members inside the House chambers were instructed to remain, with security measures in place. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the threat while ensuring the safety of lawmakers. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political processes in Texas.
Austin, Texas – Parts of the Texas State Capitol were evacuated on Tuesday evening due to reports of a social media threat that suggested an imminent shooter situation. This urgent action led to a swift closure of certain areas in the building to ensure the safety of those present.
The evacuation occurred amid an ongoing protest in support of State Representative Nicole Collier, a Democrat from Fort Worth. Collier has been in the House chambers for over 30 hours, engaging in a stand-off against Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) escorts amid the contentious redistricting process—a matter that has drawn considerable tensions recently. As a result of the evacuation, the protest outside the Capitol intensified as participants rallied to show their support for Collier.
Although parts of the Capitol were off-limits to visitors, the grounds remained accessible, allowing Rep. Collier to connect with supporters gathered outside while she waved to them from a window. The situation escalated as protest organizer Melody Tremallo was informed by a captain who had previewed a video of the social media threat, prompting her to anticipate the evacuation before it happened.
Despite the evacuation of other areas within the Capitol, members within the House chambers were instructed to remain where they were, with several armed DPS guards positioned outside their doors to provide necessary protection. This ensured that the lawmakers could continue their work despite the unfolding events. In light of the emergency, House Democrats reported that they were not considering an evacuation, highlighting the complexities of the situation.
Following the evacuation, both Collier and Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu issued a statement addressing the circumstances. In parallel to these developments, a video was shared through the Texas House Democrats’ social media channels, featuring support from former Vice President Kamala Harris, underscoring the broader implications of the protest.
Authorities from the Texas Department of Public Safety have confirmed that they are actively investigating the social media threat to identify the individual responsible. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information comes to light.
This protest is interconnected with a recent order from Republican lawmakers, which requires police to ensure the safety of Democratic lawmakers, especially in the context of the ongoing and controversial redistricting conflict. The political atmosphere surrounding these events continues to be charged, as both sides navigate the implications of redistricting in Texas.
The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new details emerge regarding the social media threat and its impact on the proceedings within the Texas State Capitol.
FAQ
- What prompted the evacuation of the Texas State Capitol?
– The evacuation was prompted by reports of a social media threat indicating an imminent shooter situation, leading to concerns for safety. - Who was involved in the ongoing protest at the Capitol?
– The protest was in support of State Representative Nicole Collier, who has been engaged in a symbolic protest regarding the ongoing redistricting conflict. - Was everyone in the Capitol evacuated?
– No, not everyone was evacuated; members inside the House chambers were advised to remain, while parts of the building were closed off to visitors. - What actions are authorities taking regarding the threat?
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the social media threat to identify the person responsible. - How does this incident relate to the redistricting conflict?
– The protest at the Capitol is connected to a broader political conflict surrounding redistricting efforts in Texas, particularly amid a recent order requiring police to escort Democratic lawmakers.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Evacuation of Texas State Capitol due to social media threat |
| Date | Tuesday evening |
| Involved Parties | State Rep. Nicole Collier, Texas House Democrats, DPS Officers |
| Threat Type | Imminent shooter threat via social media |
| Current Status | Investigation by Texas DPS ongoing |
| Link to Redistricting | Part of a broader conflict regarding redistricting measures in Texas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas State Rep. Collier Stages House Floor Protest
Texas Democrats Return After Prolonged Walkout Over Redistricting
Texas Democrats Return Amid Redistricting Controversy
Texas Democrats Return to Capitol After Walkout
Texas House Democrats End Quorum Break Amid Redistricting Controversy
Protest Against Texas Redistricting Efforts
Texas Democrats Prepare to Return Amid Political Tensions
Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Redistricting Efforts
Protests Erupt in Austin Against Republican Redistricting
Texas Democrats Shift Strategy Amid Redistricting Controversy
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KVUE
- Google Search: Texas Capitol evacuation
- KFOX TV
- Google Scholar: Texas Capitol evacuation
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Capitol evacuation
- FOX San Antonio
- Google News: Texas Capitol evacuation
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
