Suspect arrested after alleged plot to attack Texas Capitol: officials
Texas Man Arrested After Alleged Plot to Attack State Capitol
A 40‑year‑old Texas resident was taken into custody on Wednesday morning after authorities determined he had planned a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol. Benny Caldera Jr. of Converse, Texas, was charged with the felony offense of making a terroristic threat against a public servant and later faced additional federal charges.
Timeline of Events
- Tuesday – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received “credible information” about a potential violent attack scheduled for Thursday on the Capitol.
- Wednesday, 3 a.m. – DPS SWAT officers, working with the FBI and local law‑enforcement agencies, arrested Caldera at his home in Converse. He was transported to the Bexar County Jail.
- Wednesday (later) – Caldera was initially released on a $75,000 bond. Within the same day, DPS announced that the FBI had taken him into federal custody to face additional charges. Details of those charges have not been released.
DPS stated that Caldera was the “main suspect” in the investigation. The agency also informed Texas state legislators of the threat and the arrest. Despite the scare, the Capitol remained open for regular operating hours and DPS increased its security presence.
Official Responses
- FBI – “Within HOURS of the tip, @TxDPS had the main suspect in custody — with @FBISanAntonio and local law enforcement assisting. Threaten Americans or our institutions and law enforcement will move FAST,” posted FBI Director Kash Patel on X.
- DPS – Spokesperson Kevin Cooper said, “Late this evening, Benny Caldera Jr. was arrested by the FBI at the Bexar Co. Jail to face additional federal charges in connection with a possible planned attack at the Texas State Capitol. Caldera Jr. was then released from the Bexar Co. Jail into federal custody, where he will remain.”
- Governor Greg Abbott – On X, the governor praised the rapid response: “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.”
Current Status
The investigation is ongoing. DPS has not identified any additional suspects, and no specifics about the planned attack or the nature of the credible information have been released. The case remains under active investigation by state and federal agencies.
Maine News Now reports that authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.