Full Breakdown
Suspect Arrested in Plot to Attack Texas State Capitol
By Drooid · · How we work
Arrest of a Suspected Attacker
Early Wednesday, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) SWAT officers arrested 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. at his residence in Converse, a community near San Antonio. The arrest followed a tip received Tuesday evening that described “credible information” about a planned violent attack on the Texas State Capitol scheduled for the following Thursday. Caldera was taken to the Bexar County Jail, charged with a felony terroristic threat against a public servant, and later released on a $75,000 bond.
Investigation and Law-Enforcement Coordination
DPS officials said its Criminal Investigations Division worked alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation to verify the threat and assess the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot. The agency confirmed that state lawmakers were notified of the threat and the arrest on Wednesday, and that the Capitol remained open for regular operating hours. DPS indicated that an increased law-enforcement presence will continue at the Capitol to protect employees, visitors, and state officials.
Official Statements and Responses
Texas Senate secretary Patsy Spaw announced that security would be heightened at the Capitol during the ongoing investigation. No further details of the alleged plan were released, as officials cited the investigation’s active status.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Security Measures
Court records show Caldera previously faced a charge for unlicensed weapon possession in November 2023. Following his release, Texas DPS said it will maintain an elevated security posture at the Capitol. The investigation remains open, and authorities have not disclosed additional suspects or the specific nature of the purported attack.
