Texas Capitol evacuated after ‘credible threat’ against lawmakers detected

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated the Texas Capitol on Saturday after it said a “credible threat” was directed towards state lawmakers.

The lawmakers were planning to attend a protest at the Capitol later in the day.

A man has been arrested in connection with the threats.

“Credible threat” against Texas state lawmakers

What we know:

Texas DPS says it evacuated the Capitol and Capitol Grounds around 1 p.m.

Both the Capitol and the grounds were temporarily closed but reopened before the “No Kings” protests started at 5 p.m.

A man was later arrested in connection with threats to state lawmakers after a traffic stop in La Grange.

What we don’t know:

Exact details about the threats have not been released.

The agency says the investigation is ongoing.

What they’re saying:

“DPS has a duty to protect people and property of Texas and is continuously monitoring events occurring today and their impact on public safety across the state,” Texas DPS wrote.

Minnesota lawmaker shooting

Big picture view:

The threats came on the same day that two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot by someone impersonating a police officer.

Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot.

Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he is “cautiously optimistic” that they will survive.

A manifesto identifying other lawmakers was found in the vehicle, along with papers that said “No Kings” on them, police say. 

READ MORE: MN lawmaker shootings: No Kings papers found inside suspect’s fake police car

The motive for the shooting has not officially been shared by authorities. 

What they’re saying:

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wrote in a statement shortly after the death of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman.

“Death threats are sadly a part of serving in public life today. Legislators don’t talk about it often, but the state gets dozens of threats monthly. 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. What happened today in Minnesota was an absolute criminal act and a tragic loss of life,” wrote Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Texas House Democratic Caucus ask Gov. Abbott for protection

The Texas House Democratic Caucus released a statement with regard to the assassination of the Minnesota Legislator.

“Texas House Democrats are profoundly devastated by the politically-motivated assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Political violence has no place in our democracy, and the targeted killing of an elected official is an overt attack on the foundation of our republic itself.

Today, in light of the assassination of Speaker Emerita Hortman and the announcement that a credible threat was made against Texas legislators, 44 Texas House Democratic lawmakers signed a letter to state leaders demanding immediate action to protect all Texas elected officials following the politically motivated assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband.”

House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu wrote in the letter sent to Governor Abbott and DPS Director Freeman F. Martin, requesting immediate answers about what steps will be taken to protect legislators and elected officials across Texas.

“With credible threats now targeting Texas lawmakers, Texas House Democrats are asking Governor Abbott and state leadership to take immediate action to protect those serving our state before we face a similar tragedy here.”