Man Accused of Plotting Oct. 1 Attack on Texas State Capitol Now in Federal Custody

A Bexar County man is accused of planning a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol in Austin, and authorities say they arrested him just one day before it was set to happen.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said it received credible information Tuesday evening that 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. was planning an attack on the Capitol for Thursday, Oct. 1. DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents worked through the night alongside the FBI and local law enforcement, and a DPS SWAT team arrested Caldera at his home in Converse, about 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, a friend of Caldera's told investigators he had made verbal threats to assault the Capitol building. The friend said Caldera told them, "I love you, if you don't see me again," and said he was going to the Capitol to "shoot it up." Arrest documents also allege Caldera was angry at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group.

A notice sent to Texas senators described Caldera as the main suspect in the alleged plot and referenced suspected co-conspirators. Authorities have not publicly identified anyone else connected to the case.

Caldera was booked into the Bexar County Jail and charged with terroristic threat against a public servant, a third-degree felony. His bond was set at $75,000, and county records briefly showed him as released, sparking public outrage. DPS later clarified that the FBI arrested Caldera at the jail late Wednesday to face additional federal charges, and that he remains in federal custody.

DPS leadership briefed state lawmakers on the threat and the arrest. The Capitol remained open for normal business while security was increased for employees, visitors, and officials. DPS said there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the Capitol, legislators, staff, or the public, but that it will keep an increased presence at the building.

The investigation is ongoing. DPS is asking anyone with information to contact iWatchTexas or call its tip line directly.