AUSTIN, Texas (Diya TV) — Texas authorities arrested a Converse man accused of planning a violent attack on the state Capitol for Thursday. The FBI later took him into federal custody.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said investigators received credible information about the threat Tuesday evening. Its Criminal Investigations Division worked overnight with the FBI and local authorities before DPS SWAT officers arrested Benny Caldera Jr. at his home early Wednesday. Authorities charged him with felony terroristic threat against a public servant.
According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by the San Antonio Express-News, a friend told the FBI in June that Caldera had threatened to attack the Capitol.
“I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up,” Caldera allegedly said. The friend also reported that Caldera expressed anger toward the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying organization.
The affidavit says an FBI agent relayed the information to a DPS trooper Tuesday. It does not explain the gap between the friend’s report and that notification.
DPS said the FBI arrested Caldera at the Bexar County Jail on Wednesday evening and transferred him into federal custody to face additional charges. The agency clarified that he was not out on bond. Details of the federal charges were not immediately available.
The Associated Press sought comment from John Bunk, an attorney listed for Caldera, but did not report an immediate response.
DPS notified state lawmakers about the threat and arrest. The Capitol remains open during regular hours, with additional officers protecting employees, visitors and elected officials.
Authorities said they had no reason to believe an ongoing threat remained at the Capitol. The investigation continues.
