A second threat was reported Friday at the suburban Chicago hotel and convention center that was housing Texas Democrats in Illinois while battling a redistricting controversy.
Police said just after 8:30 a.m. Friday, St. Charles officers responded to report of a “second potential bomb threat” at the Q Center hotel and convention complex.
The bomb threat marks the second such threat at the facility this week, with an earlier threat forcing the evacuation of more than 400 people Wednesday. It was not immediately clear if the Texas lawmakers were at the facility when the second threat was made.
The St. Charles Police Department and Kane County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and the Explosive Detection K-9 Unit were all called to the scene to search the area, but no explosive device was found, authorities said.
“The area has been secured by authorities, and all 70 hotel guests are safe,” the St. Charles Police Department said in a release.
Police said they have increased patrols in the area and an investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Charles Police Department at (630) 377-4435.
Earlier this week, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he was “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 wrote on X. “I have instructed @ILStatePolice to ensure we maintain public safety.”
Three state House Democrats said in a statement after the Wednesday incident that the 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 and unintimidated,” the statement read. “We are grateful for Governor Pritzker, local, and state law enforcement for their quick action to ensure our safety.”
Texas House Democrats staged a walkout that is stalling redrawn political maps that President Donald Trump wants before the 2026 elections to bolster Republican chances of keeping its U.S. House majority.
The state constitution requires at least 100 members present for the House to do business, and Republicans hold an 88-62 majority in the chamber.
Since leaving the state on Aug. 3 to block a vote in the Texas Capitol, dozens of Democrats have scattered to Chicago, New York and Boston and faced escalating threats from Republicans who have signed civil arrest warrants and mobilized state troopers.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn has also called upon the FBI to intervene in the case.
Friday will mark the third time the 150-member state House has tried to convene since Democrats left the state.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
