Texas Capitol Evacuated Amid Protests Supporting Rep. Nicole Collier

The Texas State Capitol was evacuated Tuesday evening following a reported threat made as protesters gathered in support of State Representative 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 on social media, which the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said is under investigation. DPS said the person had called on others to go to the Capitol and shoot and kill "those who will not allow lawmakers to leave."

"For the safety of those at the Texas State Capitol, and out of an abundance of caution, the Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated the public from the Capitol building around 6:30 this evening," DPS said. "It will remain closed to the public for the remainder of the day."

Just after 7 p.m., DPS closed the entire Capitol grounds.

Protesters continued to rally outside the gates of the Capitol.

DPS said it has identified the person believed to be responsible for posting the message on social media, but as of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made.

Collier spent Monday 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 because 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 remained inside. Armed DPS officers guarded the doors to the chamber.

Texas House Democrats issued the following statement about the threat:

"We are grateful for the Texas Department of Public Safety troopers whose swift and professional response to today's security threat ensured that all representatives, staff and members of the public were safe. Violence and threats have no place in our democratic process, and we unequivocally condemn any threats against public servants or law enforcement, regardless of political differences. Rep. Collier's stand is rooted in the cherished American tradition of peaceful protest – a principle we will continue to uphold with unwavering conviction.

"We encourage Texans who share our concerns to exercise their constitutional rights through peaceful advocacy, including contacting Gov. Abbott and Speaker Burrows directly to call for Rep. Collier's immediate release from detention and an end to this discriminatory redistricting scheme. Our democracy thrives when citizens engage peacefully and passionately in the civic process, not through intimidation or violence."

The grounds were set to reopen at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Collier's protest stems from her opposition to the Republican-led redistricting plan, which she and fellow Democrats argue would diminish the voting power of minority communities. The plan aims to add up to five GOP-held congressional seats in Texas, a move critics say is designed to solidify Republican control.

In response to the Democrats' earlier walkout to block the redistricting vote, Republican leadership imposed new attendance rules requiring returning members to be monitored by state police. Collier's refusal to comply with these measures has galvanized supporters and drawn national attention to the ongoing battle over voting rights and representation in Texas.

As the situation develops, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, with Collier and her supporters vowing to continue their protest against what they perceive as an unjust and discriminatory redistricting process.