AUSTIN (KXAN) Demonstrators were cleared from the Texas state Capitol grounds in Austin on Tuesday evening after a social media post incited others to visit the building and “take action by shooting and killing those preventing lawmakers from leaving,” according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The evacuation took place just before a planned demonstration was set to commence outside the House chamber, following redistricting proposals in the state.
A lawmaker defied leaving the Capitol by rejecting a mandate for a DPS escort. Representative Nicole Collier, a Democrat, was later accompanied by other colleagues who also chose to stay overnight in the chamber.
“We are thankful for the swift and professional response of Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to today’s security threat, which guaranteed the safety of all representatives, staff, and the public. Violence and threats are unacceptable in our democratic process, and we strongly denounce any threats against public servants or law enforcement, irrespective of political disagreements,” stated Collier and Texas House Minority Leader Rep. Gene Wu.
DPS issued the following statement:
“Earlier today, someone posted a message on social media about the ongoing political situation at the Texas State Capitol, urging others to visit the Capitol and take action by shooting and killing those preventing lawmakers from leaving. To ensure the safety of everyone at the Texas State Capitol, and as a precautionary measure, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) evacuated the public from the Capitol building around 6:30 this evening. The building will remain closed to the public for the rest of the day. DPS personnel are making efforts to identify the individual responsible for the social media post. As the investigation continues, no further details will be released. DPS takes all safety threats seriously and encourages anyone who observes anything suspicious to report it immediately. Reports can be made via the iWatchTexas mobile app, online at www.iwatchtx.org or by calling 1-844-643-2251. All reports remain confidential. In emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.”
After the evacuation, some protesters moved outside the Capitol grounds and remained there until roughly 10 p.m.
“We got a little rowdy, we started chanting some loud chants and right as soon as we were done, here comes the Captain or whatever saying that there’s an imminent shooter threat,” remarked one of the protesters.
Protesters said DPS showed some of them the social media video in an attempt to show the situation was serious and get them to leave the building quickly.
