A Texas resident faced arrest on Wednesday for allegedly planning an attack on the State Capitol, as reported by authorities.
Benny Caldera Jr., aged 40, was apprehended at his Converse, Texas residence early Wednesday. He faces charges of making a terroristic threat against a public servant, a felony, and is now at the Bexar County Jail.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received what they termed “credible information” on Tuesday concerning an intended “violent attack” scheduled for Thursday at the Capitol.
Benny Caldera Jr. was charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant.
DPS collaborated with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies to investigate. The agency’s SWAT unit detained Caldera around 3 a.m. on Wednesday at his home.
“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 stated on X.
The details of the planned attack or the specific source of the credible information were not disclosed by officials. The agency has not named any other suspects in the case.
Following the arrest, Caldera was released on a $75,000 bond. DPS also informed Texas state legislators about this threat and the resulting arrest.
The Capitol remains open with regular operational hours, though DPS has augmented its presence to ensure the safety of employees, state officials, and visitors.
The case is still under investigation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott commented on the matter, writing, “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.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to DPS for more details on the situation.