The Texas Department of Public Safety reported Friday that protesters planned “to disrupt legislative proceedings at the Texas Capitol” by using a variety of jars containing excrement and paint.
“DPS officers have thus far discovered one jar suspected to contain urine, 18 jars suspected to contain feces, and three bottles suspected to contain paint,” according to a DPS news release. “All of these items — as well as significant quantities of feminine hygiene products, glitter and confetti possessed by individuals — were required to be discarded; otherwise those individuals were denied entry into the gallery.”
Abortion rights protesters questioned the validity of the report, calling it an attempt by the agency to influence public opinion to the Republicans’ advantage.
“There are hundreds of people out there posting everything they see on Twitter and Facebook,” Sandie Haverlah, an abortion rights activist, told The Texas Tribune. “Certainly, out of 18 or 19 jars of this, a person would have put this out there. Even if you’re wearing a blue shirt, wouldn’t you post it? No one has said a word.”
DPS officers outside the Senate gallery told The Tribune they had not seen or found the jars, and multiple officers throughout the Capitol had no knowledge of the report.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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