Texas House Democrats evacuated from hotel after bomb threat

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A group of Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled to Illinois amid an ongoing standoff with Republicans seeking to redraw the state's congressional map were evacuated Wednesday from their Chicago-area hotel after a bomb threat.

Police in the city of St. Charles confirmed a bomb threat was called into the Q-Center at roughly 7.15 am local time (1415 GMT), prompting 400 people to be evacuated from the area. A bomb squad searched the premises, but did not find a device, police added.

Most of Texas' state House Democratic lawmakers fled to Illinois over the weekend as Gov. Greg Abbott seeks to force a vote on a new congressional map that would likely hand Republicans five more seats in the US House of Representatives. The move has prompted threats of retaliation in Democratic-led states, including California and New York, if it is approved.

The decision to leave Texas is part of a legislative maneuver meant to block a vote on the map by depriving the legislature of having the necessary number of representatives to begin proceedings.

Two-thirds of the 150-member Texas House must be present for a quorum to conduct business. There are currently 88 Republicans in the House, 12 less than what is needed to conduct the special legislative session to pass the congressional redistricting map.

"This morning, a threat was made against the safety of the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus. We are safe, we are secure, and we are undeterred," Texas Democratic leaders said in a statement on X. "We are grateful for Governor Pritzker, local, and state law enforcement for their quick action to ensure our safety."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said he is "aware of reports that threats were made against Texas elected officials in our state."

"Threats of violence will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable. I have instructed @ILStatePolice to ensure we maintain public safety," he added.

Abbott filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to remove Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office, escalating a showdown about the Republican-backed redistricting plan.

“Today I took emergency action to begin the removal from office of derelict Democrat Texas House members who refuse to show up for the special session,” Abbott wrote on X.