Man Arrested for Allegedly Plotting Attack on Texas Capitol
Authorities received credible information about a planned violent attack, leading to a pre-dawn arrest.
A 40-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to attack the Texas Capitol, authorities announced.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated it received credible information Tuesday evening about an individual planning a violent attack for Thursday in Austin. SWAT officers apprehended the suspect, identified as Benny Caldera Jr., around 3 a.m. Wednesday at a residence in Converse, a city near San Antonio.
Caldera could face charges including felony terroristic threat against a public servant. He was booked into jail and subsequently released on a $75,000 bond, according to online court records. An attorney listed for Caldera could not be reached for comment.
Officials have not released specific details regarding the alleged plot, citing an ongoing investigation. The DPS notified state lawmakers of the threat and subsequent arrest early Wednesday. The Capitol building remained open for regular business hours, though Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw indicated that security would be increased during the investigation.
Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that the Texas DPS was assisted by the FBI in the apprehension. "Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol," Abbott stated on social media.