A Texas man was arrested Wednesday after authorities said he allegedly plotted a violent attack on the state Capitol.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was arrested at his home in Converse, Texas, during the early morning hours. He was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said it received “credible information” Tuesday indicating that an individual was planning a “violent attack” at the Capitol on Thursday.
Benny Caldera Jr. faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant. (Bexar County Jail; Getty Images)
DPS special agents investigated the report with the FBI and law enforcement agencies from the surrounding area.
At approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday, DPS SWAT officers arrested Caldera at his residence. The agency identified him as the “main suspect” and took him to the county jail.
“Outstanding work by @TxDPS. Proud of our @FBISanAntonio team for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our state and local partners. Within HOURS of the tip, @TxDPS had the main suspect in custody — with @FBISanAntonio and local law enforcement assisting. Threaten Americans or our institutions and law enforcement will move FAST,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
DPS said Tuesday that it had received “credible information” about a planned “violent attack” targeting the Texas Capitol on Thursday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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Caldera was released after posting $75,000 bond.
Authorities have not disclosed what the alleged attack was supposed to involve or provided details about the information that led to the investigation. DPS has also not named any other potential suspects.
DPS leaders informed Texas lawmakers about the reported threat and Caldera’s arrest. The agency said the Capitol would remain open during its normal operating hours.
An increased DPS presence will be maintained at the Capitol to safeguard employees, state officials and visitors.
DPS special agents investigated the reported threat with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
The investigation is ongoing.
“Texas DPS and the FBI stopped a planned attack on the Texas Capitol. Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol. Thank you, @TxDPS, for a job well done,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X.
News Media contacted DPS seeking further details.