AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Friday announced that it is closing the State Capitol and Capitol Grounds from January 16-20. State officials say the move is out of an abundance of caution.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety is aware of armed protests planned at the Texas State Capitol this week and violent extremists who may seek to exploit constitutionally protected events to conduct criminal acts,” said DPS director Steven McCraw. “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 enforce the rule of law.”
DPS is encouraging people to report to immediately report any suspicious activity they see on the internet or in public to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Austin Police Department or DPS at iWatchtx.org.