Texas law enforcement said Wednesday that it received "credible information" about a potential violent attack planned at the state's capitol in Austin, leading to the arrest of one suspect. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) told Newsweek that it received the tipoff Tuesday night about the plot, and this led to the arrest of Benny Caldera Jr., 40, at his home in Converse in the early hours Wednesday morning. DPS said the suspect had been charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant, and he was being held at the Bexar County Jail.
"DPS leadership notified Texas State Legislators of the threat and arrest earlier today, and the Texas Capitol remains open for regular operating hours," the department said in a statement. "DPS will continue to have an increased posture at the Texas Capitol to protect all employees, visitors and state officials. "Again, as this is an active investigation, we have no further information to release." It was not immediately clear who the intended target of the attack was.
Texas DPS had worked with the FBI and local partners on the case. The FBI deferred to the DPS when reached for comment. The state's Governor, Greg Abbott, posted to X Wednesday evening, "Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol.
Thank you, [Texas DPS], for a job well done." This is a breaking news story.
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