Officials say no ongoing threat to Texas Capitol
The FBI took Benny Caldera Jr. into federal custody Wednesday in connection with what the Texas Department of Public Safety described as a “possible planned attack at the Texas State Capitol.” The arrest came after federal authorities received a tip about the alleged plot, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Caldera was first taken into state custody at 3:30 a.m. CDT Wednesday and charged with making a terroristic threat against a public servant, a third-degree felony, according to Bexar County Central Magistrate records. He was released from the state hold later the same day and transferred to FBI custody at 7:41 p.m., the records show.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the transfer online, saying Caldera was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday night to face additional charges “in connection with a possible planned attack at the Texas State Capitol.” TDPS said Caldera had previously been held at the Bexar County Jail before the transfer and that he “will remain” in federal custody.
Little information about the alleged threat has been made public. According to court documents cited by Austin’s KVUE, Caldera had informed a friend, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up.”
Patel said online that the FBI arrested Caldera within hours of receiving the tip and that the investigation remains ongoing. The director said law enforcement would respond rapidly to threats against Americans or government institutions.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, also posting online, said the state “will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol.”
In its Wednesday statement, the Texas Department of Public Safety said: “At this time, there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the Texas State Capitol. DPS will continue an increased posture at the Texas Capitol and encourages ALL Texans to remain vigilant.”