A Texas man is in custody after authorities said he allegedly plotted a violent attack on the state Capitol.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was arrested at his home in Converse shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday. He faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant and was booked into the Bexar County Jail.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said it received “credible information” Tuesday indicating that someone was preparing a “violent attack” against the Capitol on Thursday.
Benny Caldera Jr. was charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. (Bexar County Jail; Getty Images)
DPS special agents joined the FBI and local law enforcement partners in investigating the reported threat.
DPS SWAT officers identified Caldera as the “main suspect” and took him into custody at his residence before transporting him to 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 wrote on X.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said it received “credible information” about someone plotting a “violent attack” for Thursday on the Capitol. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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Caldera was released after posting $75,000 bond.
Authorities have not disclosed what type of attack was allegedly planned or explained the nature of the information that prompted the investigation. DPS has not announced any other suspects.
DPS officials informed Texas lawmakers about the threat and Caldera’s arrest. The agency said the Capitol would remain open during its normal operating hours.
Additional DPS personnel will be deployed at the Capitol to safeguard employees, elected officials and visitors.
DPS special agents worked alongside the FBI and local law enforcement officials to investigate the threat. (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 said on X.
News Outlet has contacted DPS for further details.
