Protests over redistricting lead to evacuation of Texas State Capitol following alleged social media threat
Texas State Capitol Evacuated Amid Social Media Threat, Democratic Representatives Refuse to Leave
The Texas State Capitol was evacuated and closed to the public on Tuesday evening following a social media threat. The threat, which called for individuals to take action by shooting and killing those who would not allow lawmakers to leave, has been connected to a suspect arrested by the FBI.
In response to the evacuation, Democratic State Rep. Nicole Collier and several of her colleagues have decided to stay in the Capitol building in solidarity. Collier has refused a law enforcement escort, stating that it is a wrongful use of power and a violation of their freedoms as Texans and Americans.
"I'm tired of the government controlling our movement," Collier said. "This is nothing more than the government exercising its control over people who exercise their constitutional rights to resist."
Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers criticized the law enforcement escort as a waste of taxpayer dollars, stating that resources should be used to help those affected by devastating floods instead.
Collier, House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu, and Rep. Vince Perez slept in chairs in the Texas State Capitol chambers on Monday night. They have been joined by several other Democratic representatives, who have also spoken out against the controversial redistricting plan, which is likely to pass.
The redistricting plan, which has been pushed by President Donald Trump, has been a contentious issue in the Texas legislature. Collier and her colleagues have expressed their frustration with the Republican leadership, with Collier stating, "You don't have to do this. You don't have to dig in deeper into the harm that you're doing. You are going to get what you want. This is just petty and unnecessary, and I don't think that it is fair. It's demeaning to me as a person and to my community, and I just won't take it."
Collier and her colleagues plan to remain in the Capitol until Wednesday at the earliest if she doesn't sign the form, according to a spokesperson for the Texas House Democratic Caucus. Collier and Wu have echoed the late Democratic Rep. John Lewis's call for "good trouble," referencing his famous quote, "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic, and never give up your pursuit of freedom."
The House is set to consider the bill containing the new maps on Wednesday. Collier's stand for herself and her constituents has garnered support from several Democratic representatives, as well as a call of encouragement from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
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