A 40-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday after Texas authorities received what they described as credible information about an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Thursday.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said its Criminal Investigations Division worked with the FBI and local law enforcement after receiving the information Tuesday evening. DPS SWAT officers arrested Benny Caldera Jr. at his residence in Converse at about 3 a.m. Wednesday.
State officials notified Texas senators about the threat and the arrest. Authorities said the investigation remains active and that an enhanced DPS presence will continue at the Capitol.
Arrest Followed Overnight Investigation
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, investigators spoke with a friend of Caldera who reported that he had made threats involving the Capitol.
The friend told investigators that Caldera had allegedly said, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up,” according to the affidavit. The affidavit also alleges that Caldera expressed anger toward the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, and said “these people have to be exterminated,” NBC 5 reported, citing the arrest documents.
Caldera was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a charge of felony terroristic threat against a public servant, with bond set at $75,000, according to NBC 5 and Bexar County records. Later reporting said he posted that bond and was then arrested by the FBI at the jail on federal charges related to the alleged attack.
Investigation Into Alleged Plot Continues
An official briefed on the investigation told ABC News that authorities were examining allegations that Caldera had been preparing for a mass shooting, including claims that he had firearms and ammunition. Investigators were also working to determine whether other people were involved and what significance Thursday’s date may have had, according to the official.
The original notice sent to state senators described the alleged threat as involving a main suspect and possible co-conspirators. Investigators were continuing to examine whether anyone else was involved.
DPS has not publicly provided details establishing a specific motive for the alleged attack or confirmed the existence of additional suspects.
Capitol Remains Open
Despite the investigation, the Texas Capitol remained open for regular operations. DPS said there was no reason at the time to believe that an ongoing threat remained against the Capitol, lawmakers, employees or the public.
Authorities said additional DPS personnel would remain at the Capitol to protect state officials, employees and visitors while the investigation continues.
The allegations against Caldera remain subject to the ongoing criminal investigation and court proceedings.
