Ahead of the polls closing in Texas Tuesday, on the first major primary night of the 2026 midterms, a suspect in possession of ammo was arrested outside GOP candidate Ken Paxton’s Dallas headquarters around 5:15 p.m., later found to be making a delivery to an employee.
The incident follows what officials are investigating as a terror-related mass shooting outside an Austin bar, by a man who was in possession of an Iranian flag and who was wearing a shirt that read “Property of Allah.” Video of the Tuesday early-evening incident shows ammo being placed on the hood of a car as they searched the vehicle in question. The suspect handcuffed can also be seen.
Following an interview with the suspect, investigators determined the individual was at the location to make a delivery to an employee. He was transported to the Dallas County Jail without incident.
AUSTIN BAR SHOOTING VICTIMS NAMED AS FBI INVESTIGATES POTENTIAL TERRORISM NEXUS
The arrest came after Dallas police officers were called to the 3000 block of Fairmount Street due to reports of a “suspicious individual,” according to authorities. The suspect reportedly entered a vehicle that did not have license plates properly displayed and proceeded to leave the area. Officers then conducted a traffic stop and the driver was subsequently arrested for traffic violations. After police searched the suspect’s vehicle, they found ammunition inside the car.
Tuesday marked the first major primary night of the 2026 midterms, which will culminate with a slew of general elections in November.
Texas is facing some contentious primaries Tuesday, including Paxton’s U.S. Senate race and a slew of important House races. After calls from Democrats to extend voting hours Tuesday, a judge decided to keep them open an extra two hours until 9:00 p.m. The extension followed chaos because local Republican parties refused to hold joint primaries with Democrats, creating changes in typical ballot casting structures, according to the Associated Press.
Paxton is facing up against longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who has held the seat since 2002. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, is also in the race and will likely force a runoff race, experts have indicated. Due to the likelihood of a runoff, the results probably will take several weeks for the Texas GOP Senate primary.
