A 40-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to attack the Texas state capitol. Benny Caldera Jr was jailed on a $75,000 bond and could face felony terroristic threat charges. Authorities received credible information about the planned attack for Thursday.
The arrest of an individual allegedly planning an attack on a state capitol highlights ongoing security concerns and the potential for politically motivated violence, necessitating increased security measures and law enforcement vigilance.
A 40-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to attack the Texas state capitol. Benny Caldera Jr. was taken into custody at a residence in Converse, Texas, near San Antonio, and jailed on a $75,000 bond. He faces potential charges including felony terroristic threat against a public servant.
Authorities stated that the Texas Department of Public Safety received credible information on Tuesday evening about an individual planning a violent attack for Thursday. The arrest was made by SWAT officers around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.
Officials did not provide specific details about the alleged plot due to the ongoing investigation. State lawmakers were notified of the threat and the subsequent arrest. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the FBI assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in apprehending Caldera, emphasizing that "Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol."
Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw announced in a notice that security at the Capitol would be increased during the investigation. The Capitol remained open for regular operating hours.
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