A suspect was taken into custody after making threats against Texas legislators, which came just hours after a fatal shooting in Minnesota involving a lawmaker over the weekend.
Police in Austin shut down the Texas State Capitol on Saturday due to credible threats aimed at lawmakers attending a “king” protest scheduled for later that day.
The Texas Department of Public Safety stated, “Given the significant attention, the Capitol and adjacent areas have been evacuated.”
Security efforts involved collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of citizens and protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights, as stated by Texas State Police.
Later that day, Texas troopers arrested a suspect during a traffic stop near Lagrange, which is southwest of Austin. Police haven’t revealed the identity of the individual.
The DPS confirmed, “Currently, there are no additional active threats.”
The planned protest at the Texas Capitol was set to start at 5 PM according to the event’s website.
This situation unfolded mere hours after a masked gunman, posing as a police officer, killed a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, reportedly injuring another state official and his spouse in a targeted attack. The suspect, Vance Bolter, 57, was captured later that night following a large-scale manhunt.
Politicians in Texas, regardless of their party affiliation, expressed growing concerns about violence directed at officials. Governor Dan Patrick remarked on social media, “Death threats are unfortunately a part of modern public life. While lawmakers often don’t discuss it, the state receives numerous threats monthly.”
He mentioned that most threats typically come from individuals who often back down when confronted, yet maintained that all threats should be taken seriously.
He elaborated, “There are important distinctions between free speech and death threats. The latter can be criminal.” He condemned the Minnesota incident as an “absolutely criminal act” and highlighted the tragic loss involved.
Representative Letta Bowers (D-Garland) also denounced the violence against lawmakers in Minnesota, stressing the serious nature of the threats facing elected officials across the nation. She commented, “What happened today serves as a cautionary reminder that these threats are not abstract; they are real and escalating, putting our democracy at risk.”
She emphasized the necessity of ensuring safety and public service without giving in to fear.
In a similar vein, Republican Governor Greg Abbott expressed solidarity with the sentiments of the Democrats, condemning the violent acts in Minnesota and offering prayers for the affected families, stating that authorities should operate free from political intimidation.
