A Texas man was arrested for allegedly planning an attack on the State Capitol, officials reported. Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was taken into custody early Wednesday at his home in Converse, Texas. Charged with making a terroristic threat against a public servant, he is now in the Bexar County Jail.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that it received credible information on Tuesday about a plot to conduct a violent attack on the Capitol that Thursday. Benny Caldera Jr. faces charges for the felony offense, according to DPS reports.
Special agents from DPS collaborated with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies to assess the threat. At around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, DPS SWAT arrested Caldera, identifying him as the main suspect, and transported him to jail.
FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the swift response, stating, “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, the main suspect was in custody, assisted by local law enforcement.”
Caldera was released on a $75,000 bond. Officials have not disclosed the specifics of the planned attack or the nature of the credible information received. DPS has not identified any additional suspects in connection with the threat.
DPS notified Texas state legislators about the threat and Caldera’s arrest. The Capitol remains open for regular operating hours, with increased DPS presence to safeguard employees, officials, and visitors.
The incident continues to be investigated. Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed gratitude on social media, stating, “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 sought further information from DPS regarding the situation.