鬼百合
Let It Burn!
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety said the State Capitol building and grounds were evacuated and will remain closed Saturday afternoon after investigators identified a credible threat to state lawmakers planning to attend a No Kings protest that evening.
In a statement, the agency said 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 from House Administration Chairman Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, about the threat, which referred to two Minnesota lawmakers being attacked overnight by a suspect dressed as a police officer.
Former Minnesota Speaker and State Rep. 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,” Geren’s message said.
According to protest organizers, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, and State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, were among the lawmakers set to speak during the protest on Capitol grounds.
Other lawmakers, including Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Garland, issued statements, condemning the violent acts in Minnesota and the potential for more, saying “public service should never come at the cost of our safety or our lives.”
“As someone who has worked extensively on issues of homeland security and public safety, I have seen the growing threats targeting elected officials across our country,” Bowers added. “Today’s events are a tragic reminder that these threats are not abstract — they are real, they are escalating, and they strike at the very heart of our democracy.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said on social media “death threats are sadly a part of serving in public life today.”
“Members don’t talk about it often, but the state gets dozens of threats monthly,” Patrick continued. “Most turn out to be people who go too far in their emails or calls. They quickly recant when confronted claiming they didn’t really mean it, but all have to be taken seriously. There’s a difference between free speech complaints, which we welcome, and making death threats. The latter can be a crime.”
Saturday’s protest, “No Kings/Kick out the Clowns,” was planned as part of a nationwide action against recent actions by President Donald Trump and his administration. The Austin rally was organized by Hands Off Central TX.
KXAN reached out to protest organizers following reports of canceling the event for safety reasons. Sophia Mirto with Hands Off Central TX said, as of early afternoon, there were no plans to cancel the scheduled protest.