Texas Democrats Evacuated in Illinois over Bomb Threat Amid Redistricting Protest

Texas House Democrats who fled to Illinois to block a Republican-led redistricting effort were evacuated from their hotel in St. Charles, Illinois, due to a bomb threat. Authorities, including the St. Charles Police Department and Kane County Sheriff's Office bomb squad, conducted a thorough search but found no device, allowing guests and staff to return safely. The evacuation involved about 400 people and caused the postponement of an event with Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. The Texas Democrats condemned the threatening rhetoric from Texas officials, including the Attorney General and Governor, linking it to the threat against their safety. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized that threats of violence would be investigated and called for accountability while instructing the Illinois State Police to ensure public safety. The Democrats remain undeterred in their efforts to block the new congressional map that would favor Republicans.