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Texas Capitol evacuated after police identifies credible threat to US lawmakers; suspect arrested
The Texas officials took the cautionary measure in light of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses being shot earlier that day.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has ordered the Texas Capitol and its grounds to be evacuated after identifying a threat to US lawmakers who were set to attend the ‘No Kings’ protest later on Saturday.
The authorities took the cautionary measure in light of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses being shot earlier that day in an attack that has been dubbed as “politically motivated.”
One person has been taken into custody and the Texas DPS stated that there were no additional active threats.
Also Read: Minnesota shooting suspect's manifesto found, contained list of names: Police
Minnesota representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot dead in their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park. Later, the gunman, dressed as a police officer, also shot Minnesota senator John Hoffman and his wife as well, who are currently being treated at a hospital.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz stated, "This was an act of targeted political violence. "Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint."
Also Read: Vance Luther Boelter family, kids, education, business: All about Minnesota shooting suspect
Brooklyn Park Police described the suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, as “a white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants.”
“When we did a search of the vehicle, we did find a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials. We immediately made alerts to the state to provide security wherever necessary,” Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley said in a press conference.
Also Read: Minnesota lawmaker breaks down in tears in viral video before fatal shooting
Authorities said "No Kings” flyers were found in the vehicle. In response, Governor Tim Walz urged Minnesotans to avoid attending political rallies on Saturday.
“Out of an abundance of caution my Department of Public Safety is recommending that people do not attend any political rallies today in Minnesota until the suspect is apprehended,” he wrote on X.
