AUSTIN (KXAN) — State leaders reacted to the “credible threat” to state legislators at the Texas Capitol on as a “No Kings” protest was expected to kick off at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Earlier in the day, the Texas Department of Public Safety said the State Capitol building and grounds were evacuated and closed Saturday following the investigation of the credible threat.
DPS also confirmed shortly before 5 p.m. that one person was taken into custody in connection with the threat.
This comes after former Minnesota Speaker and State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed, and Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse were in critical condition. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said it was a “politically motivated assassination.”
As the credible threat and violent acts in Minnesota made headlines, state leaders began reacting to the news:
Gov. Greg Abbott
A spokesperson for the Gov. Greg Abbott released this official statement to KXAN:
“The Governor and First Lady fully condemn the heinous acts of violence in Minnesota and are praying for the Hortman and Hoffman families during this difficult time. State officials should be able to do their duty free from political intimidation. Governor Abbott was briefed by Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin on the situation. DPS maintains a robust set of operational capabilities to mitigate threats and keep Texas officials safe.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took to social media Saturday, saying the following:
“What happened in Minnesota is a tragedy and our prayers go out to the families, friends, and those impacted. Just today, a credible threat was made to possibly kill members of the Texas Legislature at the Capitol. I urge everyone to take appropriate precautions and heed the warning of the Texas Department of Public Safety until that threat is no longer active.
Death threats are sadly a part of serving in public life today. Legislators don’t talk about it often, but the state gets dozens of threats monthly. Most turn out to be people who go too far in their emails or calls. They quickly recant when confronted claiming they didn’t really mean it, but all have to be taken seriously. There’s a difference between free speech complaints, which we welcome, and making death threats. The latter can be a crime. What happened today in Minnesota was an absolute criminal act and a tragic loss of life.”
Rep. Rhetta Bowers
Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Garland, issued a statement condemning the violent acts in Minnesota:
“Today, our nation witnessed an unspeakable act of political violence with the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and shooting of Sen. John Hoffman in Minnesota. My heart is broken for their families, loved ones, colleagues, and the communities they so faithfully served.
As someone who has worked extensively on issues of homeland security and public safety, I have seen the growing threats targeting elected officials across our country. Today’s events are a tragic reminder that these threats are not abstract — they are real, they are escalating, and they strike at the very heart of our democracy.
Political violence has no place in America. 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. Public service should never come at the cost of our safety or our lives.
I am praying for Sen. Hoffman’s recovery, for the Hortman family in their unimaginable grief, and for all impacted by the senseless tragedy. I also call on law enforcement to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice and on all of us as a nation to recommit to upholding peace, civility, and the democratic ideals we hold dear.
We must do better. Our democracy depends on it.”