Texas Politicians Warned of ‘Credible Threat’ After Minnesota Assassination

Capitol evacuated. Lawmakers on alert. Radical group tied to manifesto.

Texas is on edge after the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a chilling warning about a “credible threat” targeting lawmakers gathering at protests in Austin—just hours after a brutal political assassination in Minnesota shocked the nation.

The Texas Capitol and its surrounding grounds were evacuated Saturday afternoon following what officials called a developing threat that may be part of a larger, nationwide campaign of anti-government violence.

Lawmakers Told to Stay Away

In an internal memo first obtained by CBS Austin, the DPS warned:

“A credible threat towards state legislators attending today’s protest at the State Capitol has been identified… Law enforcement is leveraging all available resources to address this threat.”

The Capitol remains sealed off as local, state, and federal agencies scramble to assess whether the Texas threat is connected to the gruesome ambush in Minnesota.

Targeted Killing in Minnesota Sparks Nationwide Alarm

The warning comes on the heels of a political massacre in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were gunned down early Saturday morning in what officials are calling a “targeted political assassination.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the attack was politically motivated, though stopped short of naming a motive.

Authorities say the shooter, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, had first opened fire at the home of State Senator John Hoffman, leaving both Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, seriously injured. Both remain hospitalized after undergoing emergency surgery.

Boelter remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

Police recovered a disturbing manifesto from Boelter’s car, along with a “kill list” of politicians. Dozens of flyers referencing the radical “No Kings” movement—a loosely organized, anti-government protest network—were also found in his vehicle.

What Is the ‘No Kings’ Movement?

Originally formed online during the COVID lockdowns, the “No Kings” group has long opposed traditional government structures, police departments, and border enforcement. Many supporters align with far-left ideologies and have participated in violent protests in major cities since 2020.

While organizers claim to promote “peaceful resistance,” their rhetoric has grown more extreme in recent years.

Minnesota State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic urged citizens not to attend any planned “No Kings” events on Saturday, citing heightened security concerns.

“We are asking everyone, out of an abundance of caution, to avoid all protest events at this time,” she said.

Capitol Locked Down in Texas as Fears Grow

Back in Austin, DPS moved swiftly to protect state leaders—especially those planning to join counter-protests against immigration enforcement and federal overreach.

“We have a duty to protect the people and property of Texas,” DPS said in a statement. “All threats are taken seriously.”

Officers are now coordinating with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, given the possibility that Boelter’s manifesto signals a coordinated plot against elected officials nationwide.

Trump Responds: ‘Violence Will Not Be Tolerated’

President Donald Trump responded to the Minnesota killings with forceful condemnation.

“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” Trump posted via the White House Press Secretary’s X account. “Our Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are investigating. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

Organizers Refuse to Cancel National Protests

Despite the unfolding chaos, “No Kings” organizers are pushing forward with protests planned in other states. In a statement to Newsweek, they wrote:

“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.”

Critics have blasted the decision as irresponsible and inflammatory.

What Happens Next?

As the suspect remains on the loose and federal agents scour for additional targets, Republican lawmakers in Texas and across the country are calling for immediate action to investigate extremist threats from radical political groups.

“Enough is enough,” said one Texas state senator who asked not to be named. “If our own people aren’t safe in their homes from political violence, then we’ve crossed a dangerous line. This isn’t protest—this is domestic terrorism.”

Lawmakers and staff are being urged to stay alert, avoid public gatherings, and report suspicious behavior immediately.