The Capitol grounds were closed as protesters gathered in support of Rep. Nicole Collier, who is staying on the House floor in protest.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Capitol was evacuated on Tuesday evening following a reported threat made as protesters gathered in support of Rep. Nicole Collier, who is staying on the House floor in protest.
Earlier Tuesday, protesters had gathered outside the chamber in support of Collier, and a full protest was planned to take place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. outside of the House of Representatives on the third floor.
That protest was moved outside the building after a person allegedly made a threat on social media, which DPS said is under investigation. DPS said the person had called on others to go to the Capitol and shoot and kill “those who will not allow lawmakers to leave.”
“For the safety of those at the Texas State Capitol, and out of an abundance of caution, the Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated the public from the Capitol building around 6:30 this evening,” DPS said. “It will remain closed to the public for the remainder of the day.”
Just after 7 p.m., DPS closed the entire Capitol grounds.
Protesters continued to rally outside the gates of the Capitol.
DPS said it is working to identify the person responsible for posting the message on social media.
Collier spent the night on the House floor after refusing to sign a document requiring a police escort to leave the building. On Tuesday, a number of her colleagues announced they were joining her.
Collier is confined to the House chamber and must remain on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives since she did not sign a permission slip to allow a DPS officer to escort her and constantly monitor and surveil her, wherever she goes.
All members need written permission from the speaker to leave the chamber, and the Democrats who broke quorum had to also agree to have a DPS escort to ensure they return.
Following the evacuation, the Democrats who are staying in the House chamber remain inside. Armed DPS officers are guarding the doors to the chamber.
Texas House Democrats issued the following statement about the threat:
“We are grateful for the Texas Department of Public Safety troopers whose swift and professional response to today’s security threat ensured that all representatives, staff and members of the public were safe. Violence and threats have no place in our democratic process, and we unequivocally condemn any threats against public servants or law enforcement, regardless of political differences. Rep. Collier’s stand is rooted in the cherished American tradition of peaceful protest – a principle we will continue to uphold with unwavering conviction.
“We encourage Texans who share our concerns to exercise their constitutional rights through peaceful advocacy, including contacting Gov. Abbott and Speaker Burrows directly to call for Rep. Collier’s immediate release from detention and an end to this discriminatory redistricting scheme. Our democracy thrives when citizens engage peacefully and passionately in the civic process, not through intimidation or violence.”
The grounds will be closed until 9 a.m. on Wednesday.