Texas Democrats news: 2nd bomb threat reported at Q-Center in St. Charles, IL where those protesting redistricting staying
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A west suburban hotel complex reported a second bomb threat on Friday. This site is where Texas Democrats have been staying after leaving their state to block a congressional redistricting vote.

The threat was reported at the Q-Center hotel and convention complex, located in the 1400-block of North Fifth Avenue. St. Charles police responded to the alert just after 8:30 a.m.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Authorities, including the St. Charles Police Department, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, and the Explosive Detection K-9 Unit, conducted a search but found no explosives.

Police have deemed the area secure, and all 70 hotel guests are safe.

St. Charles police have stepped up patrols in the area since the initial report.

On Wednesday, over 50 members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus were staying at the hotel, when the first bomb threat was made.

That was also deemed unfounded.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced on Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel approved assistance from the FBI to help Texas law enforcement locate the Democrats.

Bryan Zarou from the Better Government Association joined ABC7 to discuss.

The state legislators left Texas to prevent a quorum and halt the process for redistricting congressional districts.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is also trying to vacate the seat of the head of the Democratic caucus, which Democrats claim he has no authority to do.

Abbott is also calling for absent Democrats to be arrested and returned to Texas.

He wanted the Democrats back in the state in time for a vote on Friday, when the House reconvenes.

The House again failed to reach a quorum Friday afternoon. They will try again on Monday.

Democrats in Illinois said they are determined to stay away at least until Aug. 19, when the special session ends.

The Democrats held a news conference Friday afternoon in Elmhurst.

The lawmakers gathered in a show of unity and determination against a new threat.

Texas Attorney General has filed petitions with the state Supreme Court to remove from office 13 of the absent Democrats. They remain stalwart.

Meanwhile, Texas Democrats attended a joint press event with California colleagues at a union hall. California Gov. Gavin Newsome discussed the increasing tensions over redistricting, which might provoke retaliatory measures favoring Democrats.

“We anticipated incidents like these, and Texas Democrats undertook this task fully aware of the associated risks,” stated state Rep. Gene Wu, leader of the Texas House minority.

Paxton filed petitions with the state Supreme Court alleging that by leaving the state to prevent a quorum, and thus a vote on the Republican redrawn congressional maps, the Democrats have vacated their offices.

“I don’t think he has the authority to remove me from my position. I was elected by my constituents, and my constituents have supported me in this quorum break,” Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin said.

The new maps would give Republicans up to five additional seats.

Abbott upped the ante Friday, if Democrats continue to stay away.

“If they don’t start showing up, I may start expanding. We may make it six or seven or eight new seats we’re going to be adding, on the Republican side,” Abbott said.

Democrats are hoping public opinion swings their way.

“Our whole mission is to make sure that the whole nation knows that this is happening because we believe that it won’t stop the Texas,” said state Rep. Harold Dutton Jr., a Democrat from Houston.

In fact, other red states are looking at drawing new maps, including Florida and Missouri, and the White House is also pressuring Indiana to consider it.

Anyone with information on the threats is asked to call the St. Charles Police Department at 630-377-4435.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Simple act can lower risk of early death by 45%: new study

Discover the Simple Habit That Could Slash Your Risk of Early Death by 45%

Participating in elections might just be your ticket to both civic responsibility…
Lefty senate candidate Graham Platner argues that US should be 'far more cooperative' with China on climate change issues

Left-Wing Senate Hopeful Graham Platner Advocates for Enhanced US-China Climate Collaboration

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has pledged to enhance relations with China should…
Texas Department of State Health Services finds Camp Mystic emergency plan insufficient

Texas Department of State Health Services Identifies Deficiencies in Camp Mystic’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

The Texas Department of State Health Services has alerted Camp Mystic in…
Archaeologists make 'remarkable' discovery from bloodiest battle in Scottish history after nearly 280 years

Unveiling History: Stunning Archaeological Find from Scotland’s Bloodiest Battle After 280 Years

In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an unexploded mortar shell from…
North Carolina woman charged in alleged Houston synagogue attack plot as investigators search for 2 others

Breaking: North Carolina Woman Arrested in Houston Synagogue Attack Plot as Authorities Hunt for Additional Suspects

A woman from North Carolina has been formally charged in connection with…
Oklahoma tornado barrels through Enid, damaging homes and shutting down roads

Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma: Homes Damaged and Roads Closed

On Thursday, a devastating tornado tore through Oklahoma, ripping the roofs off…
Rep. Max Miller's divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno's daughter gets ugly

Rep. Max Miller’s Divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno’s Daughter Intensifies

WASHINGTON — Ohio Representative Max Miller is embroiled in a contentious custody…
2 Washington men spent decades under identities taken from dead children: police

Decades-Long Identity Fraud Uncovered: Washington Men Used Deceased Children’s Identities, Police Report

Two men in their 50s face allegations of assuming the identities of…
Passport to Illinois Part 3: Touring Cantigny, Haymarket Martyrs Monument and more

Explore Illinois: Discover Cantigny Park, Haymarket Martyrs Monument & More on Your Ultimate Passport Adventure

CHICAGO — As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th…
Connecticut school system lets students hide trans status from parents, complaint claims: 'Turns the statute on its head'

Connecticut Schools Allegedly Allow Students to Conceal Gender Identity from Parents, Sparking Controversy

WASHINGTON — On Friday, a prestigious school district in Connecticut faced a…
USF missing students: Body found on Howard Franklin bridge ID'd as Zamil Limon; Nahida Bristy still missing; roommate is charged

Tragic Discovery: Zamil Limon’s Body Found on Howard Franklin Bridge While Search for Nahida Bristy Continues; Roommate Faces Charges

In Tampa, Florida, authorities have discovered the body of one of two…
What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs

Essential Tips for Navigating Flight Cancellations as Jet Fuel Prices Climb

Passenger rights differ significantly based on your flight destination. Here’s what you…