The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) ordered the evacuation of the Texas Capitol and the Capitol grounds around 1 PM Saturday afternoon after identifying a credible threat toward state legislators who are planning to attend the "No Kings" rally later in the day. As of the time of this publication, the grounds are still temporarily closed.
Citing the ongoing investigation, DPS said no further details are available at this time but said they are working with law enforcement partners to "address the threat."
DPS said:
“DPS has a duty to protect the people and property of Texas and is continuously monitoring events occurring today and their impact on public safety across the state. DPS will collaborate with all local, state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our citizens and state property, as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and free speech. As with any incident response, the department adjusts its operations, including personnel and resources, as needed to address potential and emerging threats.
“I am in communication with our federal partners, and currently, it seems to be an isolated incident,” House Administration Chairman State Rep. Charlie Geren said in an email to KHOU. “However, we’re always concerned about copycats and those who this attack might inspire. Your safety is our top priority, and we are taking all necessary precautions to address any potential threats.”
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement to a local reporter:
Given the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday, and fears of violence from the nationwide "No Kings" protests, law enforcement agencies and elected officials across the country are on high alert.
READ MORE: Two Minnesota Lawmakers Shot in Their Homes, One Dead, Attacker Still At Large - Updated
Prior to the evacuation in Austin, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) said he will not be deterred from attending the rally later today, writing on Facebook:
"The alarming, politically motivated assassinations in Minnesota will not prevent our coming together this afternoon at our State Capitol to show our opposition to Trump tyranny. I have personally talked with law enforcement, event organizers, and other participating elected officials. Every reasonable step has been taken to keep us safe at the rally. Before the Capitol grounds are cleared by DPS at 8pm, we will conclude and separate from any, who may want to help Trump by going elsewhere to sabotage our peaceful protest with unrest. Stopping Trump’s wrongdoing requires having the courage to gather and peacefully express our unrelenting commitment to democracy. We will not be intimidated!"
Let's hope DPS is able to address the threat without anyone getting hurt or killed.
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