A 40-year-old man has been arrested over an alleged plot to attack the Texas State Capitol after authorities received what they described as credible information about a violent attack planned for Thursday in Austin. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the tip came in Tuesday evening, and SWAT officers arrested the suspect, Benny Caldera Jr., at about 3 a.m. Wednesday at a residence in Converse, near San Antonio. Caldera was booked and later released on a $75,000 bond, according to the online case docket, and could face felony terroristic threat charges.
Key facts
- Suspect: Benny Caldera Jr., 40, arrested at a residence in Converse, Texas, near San Antonio.
- The tip: credible information about an individual planning a violent attack for Thursday in Austin, received Tuesday evening.
- The arrest: carried out by DPS SWAT officers at about 3 a.m. Wednesday, without incident.
- Bond and possible charges: released on a $75,000 bond; could face felony terroristic threat against a public servant.
- Agencies involved: Texas Department of Public Safety, assisted by the FBI.
- Capitol status: remained open during regular hours with heightened security; Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw issued a security notice.
How the Texas State Capitol attack plot was foiled
The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement that it received “credible information about an individual planning a violent attack” for Thursday in Austin, according to the Associated Press. The tip arrived Tuesday evening and set a rapid overnight response in motion. DPS special agents worked through the night with the FBI and local law enforcement, and a DPS SWAT team carried out the arrest at the Converse home shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Officials did not disclose details of the alleged plot, citing the ongoing investigation. Caldera was taken into custody without incident.
Suspect released on $75,000 bond
Benny Caldera Jr. was jailed and then released on a $75,000 bond, according to the online case docket. The DPS statement said he could face charges including felony terroristic threat against a public servant, a serious charge under Texas law that reflects the gravity of the alleged plot.
Messages were left seeking comment from John Bunk, the attorney listed for Caldera.
Capitol stayed open with heightened security
DPS notified state lawmakers about the threat and the arrest early Wednesday. The Capitol remained open during its regular operating hours, but security was visibly increased. Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw issued a notice confirming an increased security presence at the Capitol during the investigation period.
FBI assistance and official response
Governor Greg Abbott said the state DPS was assisted by the FBI in making the arrest, underscoring the inter-agency cooperation behind the rapid response. In a statement on social media, the governor was unequivocal: “Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol.”
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward. This is a developing story – follow the latest updates on Watan News’ main site.
