Texas Lawmaker Nicole Collier Sleeps on House Floor to Stand Against Police Escort

A Texas House Democrat was detained overnight in the Capitol after refusing a police escort mandated by Republican leaders for lawmakers involved in a two-week walkout against a GOP mid-decade redistricting initiative. Representative Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, declined to sign a consent form from Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, allowing her to exit the House floor under police supervision. "I will not relinquish my dignity as an elected official for the sake of Republican control over my actions," Collier stated, emphasizing the detrimental impact of the redistricting maps on her constituents. Other Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Rhetta Bowers and Cassandra Garcia Hernandez, supported her stance, protesting collectively by tearing up their permission slips. Amid their protest, the Capitol faced a security issue due to a social media threat, prompting a public evacuation. Collier and Rep. Gene Wu later condemned any violence against public officials, reiterating their commitment to democracy. Most Democrats complied with the escort mandate, fully aware of the implications.