BEAUMONT, Texas — State troopers have stationed themselves outside the home of Rep. Christian Manuel’s 95-year-old grandmother in Port Arthur as part of efforts to locate Texas House Democrats who left the state to block a redistricting vote. The presence of law enforcement has fueled accusations of intimidation from the lawmaker, his family, and local officials.
Troopers arrived Friday, the same day Gov. Greg Abbott called for another special legislative session. When asked by 12News why they were at the home, one trooper said they were there for “executive protection” and declined further comment, referring questions to a public information officer.
The move drew an immediate reaction from Manuel’s grandmother, Hargie Faye Savoy, who said she turned to her faith. “I knew where to go, I