Man arrested on suspicion of planning an attack on the Texas Capitol, authorities say

Texas Capitol Security Tightened After Arrest in Alleged Attack Plot

Sandego.net – Texas authorities have increased security around the state Capitol in Austin after a 40-year-old man was taken into custody in connection with an alleged plan to carry out violence at the building.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said it received credible information Tuesday evening indicating that an individual was preparing a violent attack for Thursday. State officials moved quickly after receiving the tip, leading to an arrest early Wednesday morning.

Arrest Made Near San Antonio

SWAT officers arrested Benny Caldera Jr. at about 3 a.m. Wednesday at a home in Converse, a community near San Antonio. He was booked into jail and could face several charges, including a felony allegation of making a terroristic threat against a public servant.

Authorities have not released specifics about what the alleged plan involved, how far it may have progressed, or whether investigators believe anyone else was connected to it. The Department of Public Safety cited the active investigation in withholding further details.

An attorney listed for Caldera, John Bunk, received messages seeking comment. No response was immediately reported.

Capitol Remains Open

Despite the security concern, the Texas Capitol remained open during its normal operating hours on Wednesday. State lawmakers were notified of the threat and arrest early that morning, allowing officials and staff to prepare for heightened security measures while the investigation continued.

Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw told lawmakers in a notice that security would be increased at the Capitol during the inquiry. Such precautions can include a more visible law-enforcement presence and closer monitoring of access to public areas, though officials did not detail the specific steps being used in this case.

The Capitol is both a working seat of state government and a destination for visitors, making continued access a significant consideration when officials respond to a potential threat. Keeping the building open while expanding security reflects an effort to protect people at the site without immediately disrupting ordinary government operations.

Federal Assistance Cited

Gov. Greg Abbott said the FBI assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety with the arrest. The involvement of federal investigators underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the reported threat as they work to determine the full scope of the case.

“Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol,” the governor said in a social media statement.

The public information released so far establishes the timing of the reported threat, the arrest, and the security response, but it does not establish the evidence investigators may present in court. A possible charge is not a finding of guilt, and any criminal case would proceed through the legal process.

Investigation Still Developing

Officials often limit public discussion of alleged security plots while evidence is being reviewed, witnesses are being interviewed, and investigators assess whether a threat has been fully contained. In this instance, authorities have not described a weapon, a planned method of attack, a motive, or a particular target inside the Capitol.

That lack of detail leaves important questions unanswered, including what prompted the initial tip and whether the alleged plan involved preparations beyond the information received by authorities. Those issues may become clearer if formal charges are filed or if investigators release additional findings.

For people working in or visiting the Capitol, the immediate message from state officials is that the building remains operational, with additional security in place. Visitors should expect that safety procedures may be more noticeable while the investigation is underway and should follow directions from Capitol security personnel.

The case also highlights the importance of reporting credible warnings of potential violence. The Department of Public Safety said the information that led to the response arrived Tuesday evening, less than a day before the arrest. Authorities were able to act before the date identified in the alleged threat.

As the investigation continues, state and federal officials are expected to focus on determining the nature of the alleged plot and whether further action is needed to protect the Capitol and those who use it.