A suspect was arrested for threatening Texas lawmakers simply hours after a gunman assassinated a Minnesota lawmaker and wounded one other over the weekend.
The Texas Capitol in Austin was shut down by police Saturday after receiving a reputable risk to lawmakers planning on attending a “No Kings” protest later within the day, police stated.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Capitol and the Capitol grounds were evacuated,” the Texas Division of Public Security stated in an announcement.
“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,” Texas police stated.
Later within the day, a Texas state trooper arrested a suspect in reference to the risk throughout a visitors cease close to La Grange, a city an hour’s drive southwest of Austin, in keeping with police.
Police didn’t establish the suspect.
“Currently, there is no additional active threat,” DPS stated in a information launch.
The “No Kings” protest on the Texas Capitol was scheduled to start at 5 p.m., in keeping with the web site for the demonstration.
The Texas risk got here simply hours after a masked gunman posing as a police officer allegedly assassinated a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband and wounded one other state rep and his spouse in what officers described as a “targeted attack.” The suspect, Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday night time after an in depth manhunt.
Texas politicians from either side of the political spectrum weighed in on the risk and the broader concern over violence concentrating on politicians.
“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,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stated in a submit on X.
Patrick stated most are usually from individuals who “go too far” in calls or emails, and so they rapidly recant when confronted. However he stated the entire threats 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,” he wrote. “What happened today in Minnesota was an absolute criminal act and a tragic loss of life.”
In an announcement, Rep. Rhetta Bowers (D-Garland) condemned the violence in opposition to lawmakers in Minnesota and warned of the prospect of extra to return.
“I have seen the growing threats targeting elected officials across our country,” Bowers stated. “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.”
“Public service,” she added, “should never come at the cost of our safety or our lives.”
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott launched an announcement echoing the Democrat.
“The Governor and First Lady fully condemn the heinous acts of violence in Minnesota and are praying for the Hortman and Hoffman families during this difficult time,” it learn. “State officials should be able to do their duty free from political intimidation.”
