Texas Man Arrested on Terror Threat Charge Over Alleged Capitol Attack Plot

Authorities apprehended Benny Caldera Jr., 40, early Wednesday on a charge of felony terroristic threat against a public servant, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). State authorities stated they received a tip Tuesday evening regarding a "violent attack" allegedly planned for the Texas Capitol on Thursday.

The Texas DPS and the FBI worked through the night to track down the suspect after learning of the threat. Caldera was arrested at his residence in Converse, Texas, around 3 a.m. Wednesday and transported to the Bexar County jail.

An official briefed on the investigation indicated that the suspect had allegedly been threatening to conduct a mass shooting at the Capitol and had been collecting ammunition and firearms. The official also stated that individuals who knew the man had reported him growing increasingly angry and potentially violent recently. While Caldera and his wife are not cooperating with the investigation, other family members and co-workers are providing information.

According to the official, the suspect had recently expressed anger over the state of the country, the Palestinian cause, and had reportedly been using drugs more heavily. Investigators are seeking search warrants for the suspect's devices to determine if he had any accomplices or co-conspirators and to ascertain the significance of Thursday's date.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the Texas DPS investigation, stating, "Threaten Americans or our institutions and law enforcement will move FAST." The Texas State Senate Secretary, Patsy Spaw, informed senators of the alleged threat in a notice, assuring them it was not a cause for immediate concern but that an enhanced DPS presence would continue at the Capitol.