Ruptly Newsroom

Here is the security presence at the north entrance of the Texas Capitol, where anti-vaccine protesters are slowly gathering. #txlegepic.twitter.com/a2shvQ2dfS

There are about a half dozen security personnel outside each door of the Texas House chamber as well. Longtime Capitol reporter @kherman says he hasn’t seen this before on day one of a #txlege session. I haven’t seen one since I’ve been here; this is my 4th session.pic.twitter.com/DSkiEWjB5b

Protesters are gathering outside the Texas Capitol. It’s the 1st day of the legislative session. “Why should we have an unwanted medical procedure to talk to our elected officials?” one woman asks. Multiple say the testing/mask policies violate the Texas Constitution. #txlegepic.twitter.com/Hnm5kzVT8X

Rep @KyleBiedermann comes outside, takes off masks and speaks with anti-vaccine folks outside north entrance of Tx Capitol. He tells them he’s already suing @GovAbbott (featured here on this man’s sign). Afterward he told me, “I don’t believe there needs to be testing.” #txlegepic.twitter.com/OJUTIHrtai

A few more pics of the anti-vaccine folks gathered outside the north side of the Capitol. One is open carrying, which is legal in Texas. DPS is trying to corral them away from the door so the entrances/exits are clear. They’re putting up guardrails now. #txlegepic.twitter.com/dCLtxAQyAa

Spox for preservation board, spoke with anti-vaccine folks for several minutes, telling them it was mandatory to get tested before coming in the Texas Capitol. He also dispelled the rumor you could come in with a positive test. You must be negative to enter, he told me. #txlegepic.twitter.com/C6gEUIMCUk

Scenes outside of the Texas Capitol today on the first day of the 2021 legislative session. These folks are refusing to take the COVID tests required to get into the building. About 16-20 folks gathered out here; more officers than anti-vaccination folks. #txlegepic.twitter.com/cgUV3uNqtV