Texas Capitol Closed, Security Boosted Amid Pro-Trump Protests

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety on Friday announced the temporary closure of the state Capitol and surrounding grounds out of an abundance of caution starting on Saturday as police brace for another round of protests from pro-Trump loyalists decrying the election outcome.

The Capitol and its grounds will remain closed until Wednesday, officials said in an advisory.

“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,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a prepared statement. “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.”

The closing of the Texas Capitol as a precaution against potential riots has garnered national attention, as illustrated by a Saturday CNN report featuring a live feed from the state capital. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

The move comes after a bulletin was issued by the FBI this week alerting to armed protests being planned Sunday through Inauguration Day. Capital cities across the country are on high alert given demonstrators' plans to protest outside capitol buildings in all 50 states. This follows a violent breach of the nation's Capitol building on Jan. 6 that left five people dead and has resulted in scores of arrests.

Some downtown Austin businesses, such as this one along Congress Avenue, were boarded up ahead of reported protests among pro-Trump factions. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

Already, the sight of boarded-up businesses are being reported — a sight not seen since demonstrations erupted last year among protesters condemning police brutality. Like law enforcement officials, merchants also are placed on high alert stemming from fears of potential looting amid civil unrest.

Some downtown Austin businesses, such as this one along Congress Avenue, were boarded up ahead of reported protests among pro-Trump factions. Photo by Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

People are encouraged 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 www.iWatchtx.org.