A Texas man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly planning to attack the state Capitol, according to officials.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was taken into custody early Wednesday morning at his home in Converse, Texas. He was charged with the felony offense of making a terroristic threat against a public servant and taken to the Bexar County Jail.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release it received “credible information” Tuesday about someone plotting a “violent attack” for Thursday on the Capitol.
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DPS special agents worked alongside the FBI and local law enforcement agencies to investigate the threat.
Around 3 a.m. Wednesday, DPS SWAT arrested Caldera, who the agency described as the “main suspect,” at his home and transported him to jail.
“Outstanding work by @TxDPS. Proud of our @FBISanAntonio team for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our state and local partners. 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,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.
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Caldera was released on $75,000 bond.
Officials did not outline the specifics of the alleged planned attack or the nature of the credible information they received. DPS also has not publicly identified any additional suspects.
DPS leadership also notified Texas state legislators about the threat and Caldera’s arrest. The agency said the Capitol remained open for regular operating hours.
DPS will have an increased presence at the Capitol to protect employees, state officials and visitors.
The incident remains under investigation.
“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,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X.
Fox News Digital reached out to DPS for additional information.
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