3:36The Q Center hotel in St. Charles, Illinois was evacuated following a bomb threat reported on August 6, 2025.WLS
Texas Democrats, who sought refuge in Illinois to oppose the Republican-led redistricting initiative, were evacuated from their hotel due to a bomb threat, according to local law enforcement on Wednesday.
The St. Charles Police Department stated that they responded to a bomb threat report at the Q Center hotel located outside of Chicago. Authorities confirmed that no explosive device was discovered.
"The St. Charles Police and Fire departments, along with the Kane County Sheriff's Office bomb squad, performed an extensive search and found no device. In light of the threat, 400 individuals were swiftly evacuated, and the area was secured while bomb squad units conducted their investigation," the department mentioned in a statement.
Authorities reported that all guests and staff were able to return safely to the hotel, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Multiple Texas Democrats issued statements regarding the threat, asserting that they will not be discouraged from challenging the new congressional map that would disproportionately benefit Republicans.
The Q Center hotel in St. Charles, Illinois was evacuated following a bomb threat reported on August 6, 2025.WLS
"This morning, a bomb threat compelled us to evacuate our hotel. Fortunately, no one was injured. Yet, this exemplifies the risks that stem from irresponsible rhetoric. When the Attorney General urges the public to ‘hunt us down,’ it transcends politics and poses a threat to our safety," state Rep. Ann Johnson remarked in a statement.
"We have faced threats from the Governor, the Attorney General, and our fellow legislators in the House," state Rep. John Bucy stated. "This harmful dialogue emboldens dangerous individuals and incites violence. It is intolerable and must cease."
Bucy expressed that Texas Democrats remain "determined."
"We will persevere through the threats and distractions to continue advocating for our constituents, our democracy, and our nation. This is a battle worth waging," Bucy stated.
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu, along with state Reps. Ramón Romero and Barbara Gervin Hawkins, declared in a statement that their group in Illinois is secure.
"This morning, a threat was directed at the safety of the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus. We are safe, we are secure, and we remain undeterred. We appreciate Governor Pritzker, as well as local and state law enforcement, for their prompt actions to ensure our safety."
A spokesperson for Gov. Abbott indicated that Abbott denounces violence or threats of violence "without reservation" but countered the Democrats’ assertions that his calls for their return to Texas have been incendiary.
"First and foremost, violence — or even the mere threat of it — is intolerable, and the Governor condemns it unequivocally. However, to imply that urging Democrats to return to Texas and fulfill their duties is somehow ‘inflammatory’ is ludicrous," Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Abbott, informed ABC News.
The Q Center hotel in St. Charles, Illinois was evacuated following a bomb threat reported on August 6, 2025.WLS
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a strong advocate for Texas Democrats, mentioned in a social media post that he was aware of the reported threats made against Texas officials in the state and that he has been in contact with state police.
"Threats of violence
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
