A DPS trooper arrested the suspect in La Grange, southeast of Austin.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man has been arrested after the Texas Department of Public Safety identified a “credible threat” toward legislators attending Saturday’s “No Kings” protest at the Texas Capitol.
A DPS trooper arrested the suspect in La Grange, southeast of Austin, KVUE Senior Reporter Tony Plohetski confirmed. The threat is no longer considered active, a spokesperson for DPS said.
The Capitol and Capitol grounds were evacuated around 1 p.m. “out of an abundance of caution.” Just before 4 p.m., the Capitol grounds were reopened.
“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 said. “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.”
The reported threat comes after two Minnesota lawmakers were attacked at their homes on Saturday morning by a suspect allegedly dressed as a police officer.
“I am in communication with our federal partners, and currently, it seems to be an isolated incident,” an email from House Administration Chairman State Rep. Charlie Geren said. “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.”
Earlier on Saturday, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett said the Minnesota attacks “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,” Doggett wrote in a social media post. “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!”
A spokesperson for Doggett said he will attend the event “and believes DPS is taking every reasonable step to assure the safety of all participants.”
On Saturday, thousands of people protesting the Trump administration are set to demonstrate across the country, including in Austin.
Austin city leaders and the Austin Police Department (APD) said they are preparing for the planned “No Kings” protest this weekend, which is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Texas State Capitol and last until 8 p.m. The city has noted that Capitol grounds will “close promptly at 8 p.m.” and all attendees “will need to exit the area before or at that time.” The Capitol itself will be closed starting at 4 p.m., according to the Texas DPS.
“We have every indication from the Austin No Kings organizers and Hands Off Central TX that our demonstration will continue,” State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) said the demonstration will continue. “We are in active conversations with public safety officials, as well as state and local leaders to ensure Texans have the opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear, intimidation or violence.”
The nationwide demonstrations are to protest the Trump administration’s policies on the day of a parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army. Saturday also happens to be President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas), state Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin) and attorneys Pooja Sethi and Sara Spector are among those scheduled to speak at Austin’s rally. The event is being sponsored by State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston).
Gov. Greg Abbott said more than 5,000 Texas National Guardsmen are strategically positioned throughout the state to support local law enforcement. That’s on top of 2,000 DPS troopers who will be ready to respond to any violence or crimes at protests on Saturday as well.
Lt Gov. Dan Patrick issued a statement following the threat on Saturday:
“What happened in Minnesota is a tragedy and our prayers go out to the families, friends, and those impacted. Just today, a credible threat was made to possibly kill members of the Texas Legislature at the Capitol. I urge everyone to take appropriate precautions and heed the warning of the Texas Department of Public Safety until that threat is no longer active.
“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.”