Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers arrested a suspect early Wednesday after authorities received credible information about an individual planning a violent attack on the Texas Capitol on October 1.
DPS SWAT arrested 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. at his residence in Converse around 3 a.m. Wednesday. He was taken to the Bexar County Jail and charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. His bond was set at $75,000, and the Bexar County record lists him as released on bond.
According to a memo sent to state senators by Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw, DPS had received information the previous night about an individual and suspected co-conspirators planning an attack on the Capitol for October 1. DPS worked through the night with the FBI and local law enforcement before the arrest.
Spaw said the warning was being shared “for your awareness” and was not intended to cause unnecessary concern.
Spaw also added, “This is not to cause any unnecessary concern, but I did want to let you know that there has been a threat and DPS is working on it. I’ll keep you posted on any updates regarding the investigation.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also said that Texas DPS and the FBI “stopped a planned attack” on the Texas Capitol, adding that Texas “will NOT tolerate threats of violence” against the Capitol. He also thanked Texas DPS for “a job well done.”
The Texas Capitol remains open during regular operating hours, while DPS said it will maintain an increased security presence to protect employees, visitors and state officials.
Details about the planned attack, any suspected co-conspirators and the motive remain unknown. The investigation is ongoing, and DPS urged the public to report suspicious activity through iWatchTexas.