Texas Capitol Evacuated After Protest Threat, Arrest Made

On Saturday, the Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated and temporarily closed the State Capitol and its grounds after a credible threat was made against lawmakers planning to attend the 'No Kings' anti-Trump protest. This action came hours after a politically motivated shooting in Minnesota killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left Senator John Hoffman and his wife critically injured, heightening nationwide fears of political violence. DPS arrested a suspect during a traffic stop in La Grange, southeast of Austin, and later confirmed there was no longer an active threat. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick condemned the violence and assured the public of ongoing safety measures. Despite the threat, protest organizers and state officials affirmed the rally would continue as planned, emphasizing the right to peaceful assembly. These events occurred amid a surge of anti-Trump demonstrations nationwide, with increased security and law enforcement collaboration.