Man accused of threat against Texas lawmakers had gun, knee pads in car
New details on man who threatened Texas lawmakers
FOX 7 has obtained documents related to the arrest of the man who allegedly made threats against lawmakers ahead of a protest at the Texas Capitol.
AUSTIN - FOX 7 has obtained documents related to the arrest of the man who allegedly made threats against lawmakers ahead of a protest at the Texas Capitol.
Robert Bowers arrest
Robert Bowers
What we know:
On Saturday, June 14, state troopers pulled over a blue Audi A6 that was traveling west on SH 71 toward Austin in Fayette County.
The troopers had been informed that the vehicle was connected to threats against lawmakers.
Robert Bowers was driving the Audi, which was traveling 81 miles per hour in a 75 mile per hour zone without a front license plate.
Bowers told troopers he was on his way to Austin to peacefully take part in the protests.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE - Threat against Texas state lawmakers: What we know
The investigation continues after Texas DPS says a credible threat was made against Texas lawmakers ahead of the "No Kings" protest in Austin. A man has been arrested in connection to the incident. FOX 4 reporter Amelia Jones has more on that which happened on the same of a targeted attack against Minnesota state lawmakers.
A Fayette County arrest report notes that Bowers had a 9mm handgun and was wearing black pants with apparent knee pads and heavy-duty boots.
According to the documents, Texas DPS CID agents told troopers they received tips that Bowers had sent messages to a friend that "were interpreted as wishing to inflict harm to state elected officials and politicians in Austin."
Previous, DPS said a concerned citizen reached out to local authorities about the alleged threats.
Robert Bowers was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle with one plate.
"The arrest was made out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the public," the affidavit notes.
No charges related to the alleged threat have been filed.
Texas Capitol evacuation
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Texas Capitol evacuated after 'credible threat'
A man was arrested in La Grange in connection to threats made against state lawmakers who reportedly were planning on attending the "No Kings" protests at the Texas Capitol.
After learning of the threats, Texas DPS evacuated the Capitol and Capitol grounds around 1 p.m. and closed for investigation.
Bowers was arrested at 1:31 p.m., according to the arrest affidavit.
The Capitol building and grounds were closed but reopened in time for the "No Kings" rally and protests at 5 p.m.
Minnesota lawmaker shooting
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Political violence now in the spotlight
Chilling new details were released in the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and the wounding of another. This as federal charges were brought against the man accused of targeting democratic lawmakers and their families
Big picture view:
The threats came on the same day that two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot by someone impersonating a police officer.
Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot.
Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he is "cautiously optimistic" that they will survive.
A manifesto identifying other lawmakers was found in the vehicle, along with papers that said "No Kings" on them, police say.
READ MORE: MN lawmaker shootings: No Kings papers found inside suspect's fake police car
The motive for the shooting has not officially been shared by authorities. The suspect, Vance Boelter, was arrested after a nearly two-day manhunt.
Boelter will be held on $5 million bail on the state charges, court documents say. Boelter may also face federal charges.
Boelter, 57, was arrested by authorities near Green Isle Sunday night after a 43-hour manhunt in what officials say was the largest manhunt in state history that involved more than 20 SWAT teams.
He was charged via warrant in Hennepin County with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, according to court documents that were unsealed after his arrest.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Texas DPS, arrest documents for Robert Bowers and past FOX coverage.