Officers foil Capitol attack plan

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed Wednesday that officers stopped a planned violent attack on the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

Credible threat received

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

Man arrested at home

At around three a.m. Wednesday, DPS SWAT arrested forty-year-old Benny Caldera Junior at his residence in Converse, about fifteen miles northeast of downtown San Antonio.

Threats to shoot Capitol

According to arrest documents, Caldera told his friend, "I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up."

“I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up”

Anger at AIPAC

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

“these people have to be exterminated”

Charged and transferred

Caldera was held in Bexar County Jail on a seventy five thousand dollar bond, charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. He was later arrested by the FBI and released into federal custody.

Capitol security increased

Texas DPS said there is no ongoing threat to the Capitol, legislators, staff, or the public. Officers will maintain increased presence at the Texas Capitol to protect employees, visitors, and state officials.