News Summary
The Texas State Capitol was evacuated due to credible threats against lawmakers, following a wave of violence targeting politicians in Minnesota. An investigation began after a suspect was found traveling to a protest with harmful intentions. While authorities seized a handgun from the suspect, no charges have been filed yet. The evacuation was precautionary, coinciding with a large protest at the Capitol. Lawmakers have been alerted to enhance security measures due to ongoing concerns about political safety.
Austin, Texas — The Texas State Capitol was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon due to credible threats against lawmakers, following a recent wave of violence targeting politicians in Minnesota. The evacuation, ordered around 1 p.m., coincided with the “No Kings” protest, which was attended by approximately 15,000 individuals and organized by the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that no charges have yet been filed against a suspect related to the threats. An investigation was launched after a citizen reported encountering a man who was traveling to the Capitol for the protest with alleged harmful intentions toward lawmakers. During the incident, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on SH-71 in La Grange at approximately 1:30 p.m., pulling over the suspect for speeding.
During the traffic stop, the driver disclosed possession of a handgun, which law enforcement subsequently seized. The suspect was arrested for a misdemeanor traffic violation and taken in for questioning. However, authorities have not released the suspect’s name, nor have they provided specific details regarding the nature of the threats that prompted the evacuation.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick utilized social media to alert lawmakers of the credible threats, recommending that they take additional precautions. The threats arose shortly after a series of targeted attacks in Minnesota which saw the death of Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as injuries to another Democratic lawmaker and his spouse. In light of these events, concerns have been raised regarding potential copycat incidents and the overall safety of lawmakers.
The evacuation of the Capitol was undertaken “out of an abundance of caution,” following an earlier alert issued to lawmakers before 1 p.m. As a result of the situation, the Capitol grounds were closed to the public, and law enforcement worked to address the claims of threat swiftly.
The protest on the grounds of the Capitol remained nonviolent, with notable attendance from Democratic representatives such as John Bucy III, Sarah Eckhardt, and Greg Casar, all of whom were present at the event. Republican representative Charlie Geren emphasized the importance of lawmakers’ safety in the wake of the recent violent incidents. It was reported that the Capitol grounds had reopened to the public later in the afternoon, with a DPS update confirming that the threats had been resolved.
The escalation of threats toward lawmakers has heightened security concerns, especially after the tragic events in Minnesota that brought attention to the nation’s political climate. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of elected officials and the public during such events.
As of the latest updates, it remains unclear whether the suspect is still in custody. This incident reflects a broader issue surrounding political safety and the sometimes precarious environment in which lawmakers operate across the country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tensions Rise During ‘No Kings’ Protest at Texas State Capitol
Suspect Arrested After Threats Against Texas Lawmakers
Massive ‘No Kings’ Protest Takes Over Austin
Grand Military Parade Marks Major Milestones Amid Protests
Texas Legislature Passes Controversial Immigration Bill
Protests Erupt in Texas Against Senate Bill 17
Mike Pence Receives JFK Profile in Courage Award
Mike Pence Receives John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Exploring the Historic Legacy of the University of Texas at Austin
Austin’s Colorful History as Texas Capital
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Texas State Capitol
- ABC13
- Google Search: Austin Texas No Kings protest
- The New York Times
- Google Scholar: Political Safety in the US
- CBS News Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Security
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google News: Texas Capitol Threats
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.
