Texas Capitol Partially Evacuated By Active Shooter Threat

Parts of the Texas State Capitol in Austin were evacuated Tuesday night amid reports of an active shooter threat, prompting protesters supporting state Rep. Nicole Collier to relocate their demonstration outside.

Although the building was closed to all visitors, the House chamber remained occupied, KEYE-TV reported. Collier, a Democrat, was seen waving to supporters from a window, as armed Texas Department of Public Safety personnel stationed themselves outside the chamber doors.

Collier has become the focal point of the protest amid mounting redistricting tensions. She reportedly refused to sign a mandatory “permission slip” — agreeing to be escorted by DPS officers after fleeing the state to block a Republican redistricting vote. As a result, she camped overnight in the House chamber, livestreaming her defiance and drawing national attention.