Fact Check: Texas Department of Public Safety Warned Lawmakers of Credible Threats
What We Know
On October 7, 2023, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a warning to state lawmakers regarding credible threats to their safety. This warning was sent just before 1 p.m. Central Time, coinciding with heightened concerns following violent incidents involving Minnesota lawmakers earlier that day. According to reports, the DPS alert indicated worries about potential copycat attacks inspired by the Minnesota shootings, which resulted in the deaths of a lawmaker and her husband, and injuries to another lawmaker and his spouse (New York Times, Texas Tribune).
The warning prompted the temporary closure of the Texas State Capitol grounds, and a person was later arrested in connection with these threats after being stopped in La Grange, Texas (CBS News, Fox News). The DPS confirmed that the threat was taken seriously, stating, “However, we’re always concerned about copycats and those who this attack might inspire” (Texas Tribune).
Analysis
The claim that the Texas Department of Public Safety sent a warning to state lawmakers about credible threats just before 1 p.m. on October 7, 2023, is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Texas Tribune provided screenshots of emails confirming the timing of the alert, which was indeed sent shortly before 1 p.m. (Texas Tribune). The New York Times also corroborated this information, detailing the context of the threats and the subsequent arrest (New York Times).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded in the field of journalism. The New York Times is a leading national newspaper known for its rigorous fact-checking and editorial standards. The Texas Tribune is a respected nonprofit news organization focused on Texas politics and policy, providing in-depth reporting on state issues. CBS News and Fox News are established media outlets with extensive coverage of national and local news, further validating the claims made regarding the DPS warning and the associated events.
While the Texas Tribune and other sources reported that the individual arrested had far-left political views and was allegedly heading to the Capitol with harmful intentions, it is essential to note that the DPS did not specify the political motivations behind the threats in their public communications (CBS News, Fox News). This aspect of the story highlights the complex and often charged nature of political discourse in the current climate.
Conclusion
The claim that the Texas Department of Public Safety sent a warning to state lawmakers about credible threats just before 1 p.m. on October 7, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the timing and content of the warning, as well as the context surrounding the threats, including the arrest of an individual connected to these threats.
Sources
- Arrest Made in Austin After 'Credible Threat' to Texas Lawmakers ...
- Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of "credible ...
- PokerTH download | SourceForge.net
- Texit: entenda o movimento separatista do Texas - Revista Fórum
- Suspect arrested in connection with threats against Texas lawmakers ...
- State leaders react after 'credible threat' to legislators at ...
- TiEmu - a TI89(ti)/92(+)/V200 emulator. - SourceForge
- Texas Capitol evacuated after DPS finds credible threat to lawmakers ...