Law enforcement partially evacuated the Texas Capitol on Tuesday evening after a social media post threatened to “take action by shooting and killing those who will not allow lawmakers to leave.”
The Department of Public Safety confirmed the threat and said investigators are working to identify the individual responsible.
The evacuation began around 6:30 p.m., stalling a legislative session as Republicans moved to advance proposals on flood victim aid and new congressional maps.
Police Secure Grounds
Capitol grounds were closed as police responded to the threat.
“The grounds are now being closed due to the threat,” CBS Austin reporter Andrew Freeman posted with footage of law enforcement sealing off the area.
#BREAKING: The grounds are now being closed due to the threat. @cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/yGOdFhM63K
— Andrew Freeman (@AFreemanNews) August 20, 2025
Protest organizer Melody Tremallo said officers told her the building could be cleared “due to an imminent shooter threat.”
While some parts of the grounds remained open, law enforcement heavily guarded lawmakers who stayed inside the House chambers.
Democrats Resist GOP Escort Rule
The scare came