Update on the Texas Capitol and the “No Kings” Protest
Update:
5:18 p.m. June 14, 2025: This story updated with the arrest of a suspect.
Situation at the Texas Capitol
The Texas Capitol has reopened after a trooper with the state’s Department of Public Safety arrested a man in connection with a threat, the DPS said in a statement posted on X.
In an email alert sent just before 1 p.m. Saturday to lawmakers and Capitol staffers, DPS said it had identified a threat against lawmakers planning to attend Austin’s “No Kings” protest at the Capitol at 5 p.m. DPS evacuated and closed the Capitol and its grounds at around 1 p.m.
There is no additional active threat following the arrest, DPS said in the statement.
Protest Organizers’ Response
In an interview with the Austin American-Statesman, Paul Vonder Haar, treasurer of Hands off Central Texas, said organizers are in active communication with law enforcement and planning to have the Austin protest “accelerated” to end before 8 p.m.
Related Incidents in Minnesota
The announcement came as two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and their spouses were shot on Saturday. Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, and her spouse were shot and killed early Saturday in their home in Brooklyn Park, Minn.
A second state lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife were shot multiple times in Champlin and were wounded. Officials said the shootings were politically motivated.
Following the shootings, organizers canceled all the “No Kings” rallies across Minnesota. State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said authorities didn’t have any direct evidence the protests would be targeted but said the suspect had some “No Kings” flyers in their car.
Reaction from Texas Officials
Elected officials in Texas have spoken out against political violence in response to the Minnesota shootings. In a statement, state Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers said she is praying for Hoffman’s recovery and called for law enforcement to “swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice.”
“We can disagree, we can debate, and we can even stand passionately on opposite sides of an issue — but violence must never be the answer,” Bowers said in the statement. ”Public service should never come at the cost of our safety or our lives.”
The “No Kings” Protest in Texas
The ‘No Kings” protest in Austin, as well as in Dallas, Fort Worth and cities across Texas, is part of a nationwide mobilization against the policies of President Donald Trump. In Dallas, up to 10,000 people gathered for the demonstration at its peak, according to a Dallas police spokesperson.
Breaking News
Related News
Related:About 10,000 people gather downtown for Dallas No Kings protest
Related:Minnesota lawmakers shot: Authorities say gunman posed as police officer
Conclusion
The situation at the Texas Capitol and the “No Kings” protest is a complex and evolving issue. The arrest of a suspect in connection with a threat has brought some relief, but the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and protest organizers. The shootings in Minnesota serve as a somber reminder of the risks of political violence and the importance of promoting peaceful dialogue and disagreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at the Texas Capitol?
A: The Texas Capitol was evacuated and closed due to a threat against lawmakers planning to attend the “No Kings” protest. A suspect was later arrested, and the Capitol has reopened.
Q: What is the “No Kings” protest?
A: The “No Kings” protest is a nationwide mobilization against the policies of President Donald Trump, with demonstrations taking place in cities across the United States, including Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth in Texas.
Q: What happened in Minnesota?
A: Two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and their spouses were shot, resulting in the death of one lawmaker and the wounding of another. The shootings were reportedly politically motivated, and organizers canceled all “No Kings” rallies in Minnesota.
Q: How have Texas officials responded to the situation?
A: Elected officials in Texas have spoken out against political violence, condemning the shootings in Minnesota and calling for law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. They have also emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue and disagreement.
