The Capitol grounds were closed as protesters gathered in support of Rep. Nicole Collier, who is staying on the House floor in protest.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Capitol was evacuated on Tuesday evening following a reported threat made as protesters gathered in support of Rep. Nicole Collier, who is staying on the House floor in protest.
Earlier Tuesday, protesters had gathered outside the chamber in support of Collier, and a full protest was planned to take place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. outside of the House of Representatives on the third floor.
That protest was moved outside the building after a person allegedly made a threat, which DPS said is under investigation. Just after 7 p.m., DPS closed the entire Capitol grounds.
Protesters continued to rally outside the gates of the Capitol.
Collier spent the night on the House floor after refusing to sign a document requiring a police escort to leave the building. On Tuesday, a number of her colleagues announced they were joining her.
Collier is confined to the House chamber and must remain on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives since she did not sign a permission slip to allow a DPS officer to escort her and constantly monitor and surveil her, wherever she goes.
All members need written permission from the speaker to leave the chamber, and the Democrats who broke quorum had to also agree to have a DPS escort to ensure they return.
Following the evacuation, the Democrats who are staying in the House chamber remain inside. Armed DPS officers are guarding the doors to the chamber.