Texas man arrested for allegedly plotting to attack state capitol
A Texas man was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to attack the State Capitol in Austin, authorities said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement that it received “credible information about an individual planning a violent attack” for Thursday in the city.
The tip came in Tuesday evening, and SWAT officers arrested the suspect at 3am Wednesday at a residence in Converse, Texas, near San Antonio.
Benny Caldera Jr. was jailed on a $75,000 bond. He could face charges including felony terroristic threat against a public servant, the DPS statement said.
Messages were left seeking comment from an attorney listed for Caldera.
Officials did not provide details about the alleged plot, citing the ongoing investigation.
DPS notified state lawmakers about the threat and arrest early Wednesday. The Capitol remained open during regular operating hours.
Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw said in a notice that there will be increased security at the Capitol during the investigation.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the state DPS was assisted by the FBI in making the arrest.
“Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol,” the governor said in a statement on social media.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
