The Texas State Capitol was evacuated Saturday afternoon after officials identified what they called a “credible threat” aimed at state lawmakers who were planning to attend the controversial “No Kings” protest—an event targeting President Donald Trump.
The evacuation began around 1 p.m. local time, just hours before the protest was scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. in Austin. The demonstration was part of a broader series of coordinated protests across the country, all pushing an anti-Trump, anti-authority message under the banner “No Kings.”
A brief statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the threat:
“Earlier today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Capitol Region identified a credible threat toward state lawmakers planning to attend a protest later today, Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Texas State Capitol Complex. Out of an abundance of caution, the Texas Capitol and Capitol Grounds were evacuated around 1 p.m. and both remain temporarily closed. DPS continues working with our law enforcement partners to address the threat.”
DPS said they are adjusting operations across the state and working with federal and local agencies, but did not offer any specifics on the nature of the threat or its source.
The timing of the threat is especially concerning—it comes just hours after a horrific political assassination in Minnesota, where 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, a former Democrat insider appointed by Governor Tim Walz, allegedly shot and killed Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. The suspect also critically wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a separate attack minutes earlier.
Both shootings took place around 2 a.m. Saturday in the Minneapolis suburbs, and Minnesota Governor Walz was quick to label the violence “politically motivated.” Authorities later discovered a manifesto in the suspect’s car listing dozens of additional targets, including lawmakers and pro-abortion advocates. Flyers with the phrase “No Kings” were also found.
Despite the bloodshed in Minnesota and warnings from law enforcement, the “No Kings” protest in Austin was still set to move forward. Scheduled speakers included far-left U.S. Representatives Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, along with State Representatives John Bucy III and Sarah Eckhardt. The event was backed by Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu.
Back in Minnesota, though officials announced that the protests were officially canceled, crowds still gathered outside the Capitol in St. Paul—ignoring police guidance and public safety warnings amid an active manhunt.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a vocal supporter of far-left causes and past Antifa sympathizer, was also seen attending the “No Kings” rally in St. Paul, raising eyebrows about his priorities as the state scrambles to catch an armed political assassin.
The situation remains fluid, with Boelter still at large and heightened security around government buildings nationwide. Law enforcement has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially at politically charged gatherings.