Democratic state legislators from Texas were evacuated from their suburban Chicago hotel Wednesday morning following a threat at the property, and a news conference set to feature Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin was canceled.
Later in the morning, Gov. JB Pritzker authorized Illinois State Police to become involved in protecting the lawmakers.
"I am 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," Pritzker said on X. "I have instructed @ILStatePolice to ensure we maintain public safety."
Durbin was to join the Illinois Democratic voices who have rallied behind the Texas Democrats, who traveled to the state in an effort to block the passage of a new Republican-drawn congressional map. Because the members are absent, the Texas state House does not have a quorum to move forward with legislation.
The public announcement system inside the hotel issued an evacuation directive around 7:15 a.m. local time, and lawmakers and staff rushed outside, according to one of the people inside.
“This morning, a threat was made against the safety of the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus,” three Texas state House Democrats said in a statement. “We are safe, we are secure, and we are undeterred and unintimidated. We are grateful for Governor Pritzker, local, and state law enforcement for their quick action to ensure our safety.”
In an interview, state Rep. John Bucy said that the legislators and other guests spent about two hours outside the hotel Wednesday morning and that they're "going to continue fight to this fight for voting rights."
About 400 people in all were evacuated, according to the St. Charles Police Department. The Kane County bomb squad was asked to assist, and police said no device was found during a search. The investigation continues, according to police.
The Democratic legislators left Texas for Chicago, Boston and Albany, New York, on Sunday, after the Texas state Legislature began a special session aimed at, among other things, drawing a new congressional map giving Republicans a path to a five-seat gain in the 2026 midterm elections.
Republicans are protecting a narrow three-seat majority in the chamber ahead of the midterms.
Bucy said the Democratic legislators do not plan to return to Texas anytime soon.
"Look, we’ve made a commitment to kill this special session," he said. "
