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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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Texas lawmakers and their staffers have received a warning from the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) warning them of a "credible threat" to legislators planning to attend protests at the State Capitol.
In order to ensure safety for all involved, DPS evacuated the Capitol and Capitol grounds at around 1 p.m. local time and have kept both areas "temporarily closed" as the agency continues working with law enforcement partners "to address the threat," remains part of an ongoing investigation.
Why It Matters
Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed early Saturday morning in an act of "targeted political violence," according to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
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The gunman, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, had targeted the home of another Democratic lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, shortly before the attack on the Hortmans. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot multiple times and underwent surgery, and Beolter remains at large.
Minnesota State Police said they had found "No Kings" flyers in the suspect's car, and the "No Kings" protests across the state have been cancelled.
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people "out of an abundance of caution" not to attend any of the "No Kings" protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday, although she added that no direct evidence showed the protests would be targeted.
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What To Know
CBS Austin reporter Michael Adkison posted a copy of the notice issued Saturday in the wake of the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and the attempted assassination of state Senator John Hoffman, both members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, in the early hours of Saturday morning local time.
The notice read: " A credible threat towards state legislators attending today's protest at the state Capitol has been identified by Capital Region DPS. We are working with our law enforcement partners and are leveraging all available resources to address this threat. Additional updates will be provided as information is developed."
The notice cited the death of Hortman and the attack on Hoffman as well as the manifesto and list of names found in the suspects car, which authorities have taken as "indicating a broader threat to lawmakers."
"Please remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have concerns," the notice added.
Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president last year, said the killing was politically motivated without elaborating.
The assassination has added further tension to the nationwide "No Kings" protests, which were planned for Saturday. Organizers for the protests cancelled any such protests in Minnesota out of "an abundance of caution" and to follow guidance from state authorities as they carried out their manhunt for the suspect.
However, the group has not moved to cancel protests in other states, telling Newsweek in an emailed statement: "We are in close contact with our hosts, attendees, and state and local officials and remain committed to ensuring all other events around the country proceed peacefully and safely."
In the meantime, Texas DPS closed the Capitol and Capitol Grounds, stressing the agency's " Duty to protect the people and property of Texas ," and stating that the agency will collaborate with all local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety of citizens and state property, "as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and free speech.
"As with any incident response, the department adjusts its operations, including personnel and resources, as needed to address potential and emerging threats," DPS wrote in a statement posted on X.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump in a post on the White House Press Secretary X account said: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"
Update 6/14/25, 4:32 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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