https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/robert-downen/The latest news by Robert Downen.enFri, 09 Jun 2023 11:46:28 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/09/nate-paul-federal-charges/The Austin real estate investor was a central figure in allegations that led the Texas House to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton last month. One of the charges against Paul has ties the impeachment allegations.Zach Despart and Robert DownenFri, 09 Jun 2023 11:46:28 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/09/nate-paul-federal-charges/Booking photo for Nate Paul.The United States Federal Courthouse in Austin on June 9, 2023.Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/06/ken-paxton-impeach-tony-buzbee/The boisterous and outspoken attorney will be matched against two legal icons who will prosecute the attorney general in his upcoming trial before the Texas Senate.Robert Downen and James BarragánTue, 06 Jun 2023 21:39:03 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/06/ken-paxton-impeach-tony-buzbee/Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, speaks during a press conference at the Travis County Republican Party suite in Austin on June 7, 2023. Dan Cogdell, right, is another prominent Houston-based attorney who specializes in criminal defense and is a member of Paxton’s legal team.Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, speaks during a press conference at the Travis County Republican Party suite in Austin on June 7, 2023.Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/01/ken-paxton-impeachment-house-managers/Led by Andrew Murr, a West Texas rancher and lawyer, and Ann Johnson, a former prosecutor, the team of 12 includes 11 with law degrees.Robert Downen and Alejandro SerranoThu, 01 Jun 2023 19:00:05 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/01/ken-paxton-impeachment-house-managers/House impeachment managers, led by Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, answer questions at a news conference on Monday. From left: State Reps. Erin Gámez, D-Brownsville; Ann Johnson, D-Houston; Jeff Leach, R-Plano; Murr; David Spiller, R-Jacksboro; Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park; Cody Vasut, R-Angleton; and Morgan Meyer, R-University Park.House General Investigating Committee impeachment managers, led by Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, answer questions at a press conference on May 29, 2023. From left: State Reps. Erin Gámez, D-Brownsville; Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston; Murr; David Spiller, R-Jacksboro; Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park; Cody Vasut, R-Angleton; and Morgan Meyer, R-University Park.Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/01/ken-paxton-impeach-rusty-hardin-dick-deguerin/The Houston-based attorneys are legends in their own right, having participated in numerous high-profile criminal and civil matters.Robert DownenThu, 01 Jun 2023 15:57:17 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/01/ken-paxton-impeach-rusty-hardin-dick-deguerin/State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, head of the House impeachment managers, speaks at the Capitol on Thursday to introduce Houston attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin as prosecutors in the Senate trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton.State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, head of the House impeachment managers, introduces Houston attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin as prosecutors in the Senate trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, at the Capitol on June 1, 2023. From left: Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, Dan McAnulty, an investigator for the committee; Murr, Erin Epley, part of the House investigative team, Rep. Erin Gámez, D-Brownsville; Donna Cameron; Reps. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, and Oscar Longoria, D-Mission.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/31/john-scott-interim-attorney-general/Scott, a former deputy attorney general, will run the agency because Ken Paxton has been suspended from office until his impeachment trial before the Texas Senate.Zach Despart and Robert DownenWed, 31 May 2023 13:45:35 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/31/john-scott-interim-attorney-general/Former Texas Secretary of State John Scott at a press conference in 2022. Abbott tapped Scott to serve as interim attorney general while Ken Paxton awaits a Senate trial on his impeachment.Texas Secretary of State John Scott at a press conference held by Gov. Greg Abbott on April 14, 2022.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/28/texas-legislature-paxton-impeachment-charges/The long list of accusations were outlined as part of 20 charges of impeachment adopted by the Texas House.Erin Douglas and Robert DownenSun, 28 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/28/texas-legislature-paxton-impeachment-charges/General Investigating Committee member state Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, lays out articles of impeachment against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Saturday.General Investigating Committee member Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, lays out articles of impeachment against AG Ken Paxton on May 27, 2023.Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/26/ken-paxton-impeach-republican-defense/Supporters of the attorney general portray Saturday’s impeachment vote as a political witch hunt meant to sideline President Joe Biden’s biggest headache.Robert DownenFri, 26 May 2023 17:56:20 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/26/ken-paxton-impeach-republican-defense/Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton waves from the stage at a Donald Trump rally in Robstown on Oct. 22, 2022.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton waves as he walks on stage at a Texas Trump rally at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds on Oct. 22. 2022, in Robstown.Angela Piazza/Corpus Christi Caller-Times via REUTERShttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/25/ken-paxton-impeachment-investigation/The attorney general, reelected last year by voters who shrugged off his scandals, is accused of a yearslong pattern of alleged misconduct and lawbreaking. The full House is expected to consider the articles soon.James Barragán, Robert Downen and Zach DespartThu, 25 May 2023 16:23:34 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/25/ken-paxton-impeachment-investigation/Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to supporters after being reelected in November.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to supporters Paxton Watch Party Barn in Plano after being re-elected on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.Ben Torres for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/25/stewart-rhodes-sentenced-oath-keepers-texas-capitol-attack/Rhodes was among the many Texans who played key roles in fomenting, planning or fueling the Jan. 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol.Robert DownenThu, 25 May 2023 14:57:15 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/25/stewart-rhodes-sentenced-oath-keepers-texas-capitol-attack/Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes speaks during a rally in Berkeley, California, on April 15, 2017.Oath Keepers founder, Stewart Rhodes, speaks during the Patriots Day Free Speech Rally in Berkeley, California, on April 15, 2017.REUTERS/Jim Urquharthttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/24/texas-legislature-chaplains-schools/Opponents fear the bill is a “Trojan horse” for evangelizing kids and will worsen the state’s mental health crisis through disproven counseling approaches.Robert DownenWed, 24 May 2023 16:46:14 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/24/texas-legislature-chaplains-schools/Students walk in between class periods at Tenaha High School in Tenaha on Nov. 11, 2022.Students walk to class in between class periods at Tenaha High School in Tenaha, TX photographed on November 11, 2022.Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/24/texas-legislature-ten-commandments-bill/Senate Bill 1515 was one of several legislative attempts by conservative Christians to center public life around their religious views.Robert DownenWed, 24 May 2023 09:26:24 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/24/texas-legislature-ten-commandments-bill/The Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds in Austin on July 16, 2012The Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds in Austin on July 16, 2012.Ariel Min/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/19/legislature-chaplain-bill-rocky-malloy/Rocky Malloy, a self-described former drug-smuggling pirate saved by divine intervention, has led a group that promotes chaplains as a tool to proselytize to schoolchildren.Robert Downen and Brian LopezFri, 19 May 2023 10:54:36 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/19/legislature-chaplain-bill-rocky-malloy/Passing period at United South High School in Laredo.Passing period at United South High School in Laredo.Rachel Zein for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/09/bryan-slaton-expel-house-vote/The unanimous vote followed an investigation that determined the Royse City Republican had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with an aide.Robert DownenTue, 09 May 2023 13:29:10 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/09/bryan-slaton-expel-house-vote/Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, on the House floor at the Capitol on April 18.State Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, sits at his desk during session on the House floor at the state Capitol on April 18, 2023.Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/08/allen-mall-shooting-right-wing-death-squad/The shooter’s “RWDS” patch offers troubling clues about his ideology — and how it connects to views that are common among white supremacists.Robert DownenMon, 08 May 2023 15:33:32 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/08/allen-mall-shooting-right-wing-death-squad/State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, urges people to pray for the victims of the Allen Premium Outlets mall shooting and commends the efforts of the first responders during a news conference Saturday at Allen City Hall.State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, urges people to pray for the victims of the Allen Premium Outlets mall shooting and commends the efforts of the first responders during a press conference at the Allen City Hall, on May 6, 2023. Earlier that afternoon, a man attacked the mall center, where he shot and killed eight people and injured at least seven others.Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/04/bryan-slaton-hearing-general-investigating-texas-legislature/The Royse City Republican, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an employee, emerged from a room where a House investigative panel was meeting.James Barragán and Robert DownenThu, 04 May 2023 16:06:04 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/04/bryan-slaton-hearing-general-investigating-texas-legislature/State Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, waits to ask a question on the House floor at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25.State Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, waits to ask a question on the House floor during session at the state Capitol in Austin on April 25, 2023.Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/04/texas-legislature-church-state-separation/Opponents of church-state separation have been emboldened by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the growing acceptance of Christian nationalism on the right.Robert DownenThu, 04 May 2023 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/04/texas-legislature-church-state-separation/David Barton, left, of WallBuilders talks with a delegate as he poses for photos at a Texas Eagle Forum reception at the Texas Republican Party Convention in Fort Worth on June 7, 2012.David Barton, left, of WallBuilders talks with a delegate as he poses for photos at a Texas Eagle Forum reception at the Texas Republican Convention in Fort Worth on June 7, 2012.Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/04/25/texas-legislature-china-land-sales-kolkhorst/The amended bill is a dramatically watered-down version of an earlier proposal that sought to ban land and home purchases by citizens of China and three other countries.Robert DownenTue, 25 Apr 2023 15:11:14 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/04/25/texas-legislature-china-land-sales-kolkhorst/Opponents of Senate Bill 147 hold signs during a news conference outside of Houston City Hall on Jan. 23, 2023.Attendees in opposition to SB 147 hold signs during a press conference in opposition to Senate Bill 147 outside of City Hall on Jan. 23, 2023, in downtown Houston.Mark Felix for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/27/houston-jared-woodfill-gop-paul-pressler-southern-baptist/Under oath, outspoken anti-gay activist Jared Woodfill said he was told in 2004 that Paul Pressler had sexually abused a minor. But Woodfill did not cut ties with the Southern Baptist leader — and said he had no knowledge of Pressler’s alleged behavior when another young man came forward about alleged sexual misconduct in 2016.Robert DownenMon, 27 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/27/houston-jared-woodfill-gop-paul-pressler-southern-baptist/Then-Texas GOP party chairman candidate Jared Woodfill at the 2016 state Republican convention in Dallas on May 12, 2016.Then-Texas GOP party chairman candidate Jared Woodfill at the 2016 state Republican convention in Dallas on May 12, 2016.Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/25/donald-trump-waco-rally-retribution-justice/Former president focuses his ire on political enemies and says he will have the back of supporters who have been wronged or betrayed.Robert Downen and William MelhadoSat, 25 Mar 2023 20:58:19 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/25/donald-trump-waco-rally-retribution-justice/https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/25/donald-trump-waco-rally-indictment/Trump’s first major rally of the 2024 campaign came days after he said he was to be arrested by New York authorities as part of an investigation into alleged hush payments to a former adult film star.Robert Downen and William MelhadoSat, 25 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/25/donald-trump-waco-rally-indictment/Former President Donald Trump speaks Saturday at a campaign rally in Waco, days after he said he was to be arrested by New York authorities as part of an ongoing investigation.Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Waco on March 25, 2023.Leila Saidane/The Texas Tribune