Incident Overview

A 40-year-old man from Converse, Texas, identified as Benny Caldera Jr., was apprehended on Wednesday in connection with an alleged scheme to carry out a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol. The arrest took place early in the morning at Caldera’s residence.

Details of the Arrest

Authorities acted quickly after receiving credible information regarding the threat. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the police received tips about a potential violent incident planned for Thursday at the Capitol.

Caldera faces felony charges for making a terroristic threat against a public servant. After his initial arrest, he was booked at the Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 bond but was soon transferred to federal custody by the FBI for additional charges.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

The DPS collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the threats. Special agents from the DPS were instrumental in identifying Caldera as the principal suspect, leading to his arrest at around 3 a.m.

“Outstanding work by @TxDPS. Proud of our @FBISanAntonio team for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our state and local partners,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel on social media.

Ongoing Investigations

While the investigation continues, specific details regarding the nature of the alleged attack remain undisclosed. Both the DPS and the FBI are maintaining an active presence in the area to ensure safety and security at the Capitol, which continues to operate as usual.

As a precaution, DPS has enhanced security measures to protect state officials, employees, and visitors at the Capitol.

Official Statements

In response to the incident, Texas Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the efforts of the DPS and the FBI, emphasizing the state’s intolerance for threats against its governmental institutions. “Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol,” wrote Abbott on social media.