The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) ordered the full evacuation of the Texas Capitol building and surrounding grounds around 1 PM Saturday afternoon in response to what officials are calling a credible threat aimed at state legislators expected to attend the “No Kings” rally later in the day. The event, part of a nationwide wave of anti-Trump protests, has already been marred by violence in multiple cities, most notably in Minnesota, where a sitting state lawmaker and her husband were assassinated earlier in the day.
As of the time of this report, the Capitol grounds in Austin remain temporarily closed while authorities continue their investigation. DPS has withheld specific details about the nature of the threat, citing its ongoing coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
In an official statement, DPS reiterated its mission to ensure safety while protecting constitutional freedoms:
“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”
House Administration Chair Rep. Charlie Geren confirmed communications with federal agencies and characterized the situation as “an isolated incident,” but noted concern over possible copycat actions. “Your safety is our top priority,” he wrote, adding that “every necessary precaution” is being taken.
Saturday’s lockdown in Austin follows an escalating security crisis nationwide. The political assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and the non-fatal shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife have sent shockwaves through law enforcement and political communities. Combined with increased tensions surrounding “No Kings” protests—some of which have turned violent in cities like Portland and Los Angeles—the Texas threat is being treated with heightened seriousness.
Despite the threat and evacuation order, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) declared he would still attend the rally. In a public Facebook post, Doggett said:
“The alarming, politically motivated assassinations in Minnesota will not prevent our coming together this afternoon at our State Capitol to show our opposition to Trump tyranny.”
Doggett emphasized coordination with law enforcement and event organizers, assuring that precautions were in place. He also issued a veiled warning to agitators, promising the rally would conclude before 8 PM—when the DPS plans to fully clear the Capitol grounds.
