'Violent incidents' prompt increased security for Texas legislative staff: DPS

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AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety said it increased security measures for legislative staff at the Texas Capitol, citing the shooting of conservative personality Charlie Kirk in Utah and other “violent incidents.”

“We have also observed an increase in violent rhetoric directed toward political groups on various social media platforms, further raising concerns for the safety of public officials and their staff,” a memo from DPS said.

This all comes after the fatal shooting of Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Earlier that day, three students were also critically injured in a shooting at a high school in Evergreen, Colorado, near the Denver metro area, according to The Associated Press.

DPS has recommended the following actions in its memo for legislative staff:

• Limit social media exposure: DPS said staff should “minimize personal and professional presence online,” when it comes to posts that “disclose schedules, event details, or locations.”
• Evaluate public events & report suspicious activity: DPS reiterated to report “any threats, unusual behaviors, or suspicious circumstances” to local law enforcement or iWatch Texas.

“DPS remains committed to supporting the safety and security of all elected officials, their staff, and the public,” the memo said.

KXAN reached to several lawmakers on their thoughts of safety concerns. State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, in a statement sent to KXAN said:

Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in the number of threats and acts of political violence against lawmakers and advocates across the political spectrum. We regularly receive alerts from DPS and other law enforcement agencies about potential threats and have to respond accordingly. But these threats of harm extend beyond lawmakers. Community members who are advocates for their cause also face increased threats to their safety. As a result, we have all had to operate with a heightened sense of security and vigilance. Though my office will follow guidance issued by DPS and other law enforcement agencies to stay safe, I want to assure my constituents that my office remains open to meet their needs and will continue to communicate important information through the appropriate channels.

Texas State Representative Donna Howard

On Friday, Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced creating the House and Senate Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education.

“These committees will help identify ways to better protect the fundamental right of free speech on our campuses, including measures to ensure political gatherings are safe and secure,” said Burrows in the press release. “Its recommendations will guide the Legislature’s policy decisions moving forward.”

“The attack on Charlie was an attack on the First Amendment,” Patrick said in the press release. “Those who cheered his murder are also cheering for the death of America. We cannot tolerate either at our institutions of higher learning.”

Last month, DPS had to evacuate the Capitol grounds after a social media threat calling on others to go to the building to “take action” against lawmakers who tried to leave the building. The evacuated happened just minutes before a planned protest was scheduled to start outside the House Chamber.

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