Texas DPS closes state Capitol after intelligence shows evidence of 'violent extremists'
The Texas Department of Public Safety abruptly announced the closure of the state Capitol on Friday evening after uncovering new intelligence that intensified safety concerns and prompted the agency to further tighten up security.
The closure affects the building and the Capitol grounds, which only reopened to the public this month after being closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and damage that officials said protesters did to state property during protests in May and June.
The closure begins Saturday and continues through Wednesday.
In a statement, DPS Director Col. Steve McCraw said that "the Texas Department of Public Safety is aware of armed protests planned at the Texas State Capitol and violent extremists who may seek to exploit constitutionally protected events. As a result, DPS has deployed additional personnel and resources to the Capitol and are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department to monitor events and to enforce the rule of law."
Read more: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/15/texas-readies-fbi-warns-state-capitols-protest-threats/4174667001/