Man accused in plot to attack Texas Capitol building is released on bond

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed Wednesday that officers foiled a plan to attack the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

According to Texas DPS, officers received credible information about a person planning a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol on Thursday.

Texas DPS said its Criminal Investigations Division special agents worked alongside the FBI to investigate the validity of the threat and the circumstances surrounding the planned attack.

At around 3 a.m. Wednesday, DPS SWAT arrested 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. at his residence in Converse, about 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, Texas DPS said.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, DPS officers spoke to Caldera’s friend, who said he “had made verbal threats to assault the Texas State Capitol Building.”

Caldera’s friend told officers that Caldera said, “I love you, if you don’t see me again,” and explained that, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up,” according to arrest documents.

Arrest documents further state that Caldera told his friend that he was angry at the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and that “these people have to be exterminated.”

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Caldera was transported to the Bexar County Jail and charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. He was later released on a $75,000 bond.

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Bexar County court records show that Caldera was previously charged with unlicensed carrying of a weapon in November 2023.

According to Texas DPS, leadership notified legislators of the threat and arrest Wednesday, and the Capitol remains open for regular operating hours.

Texas DPS said officers will continue to have an increased presence at the Texas Capitol to protect employees, visitors and state officials.