A Texas man arrested Wednesday for allegedly plotting a violent attack on the state Capitol was released on bond later the same day, authorities confirmed.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was taken into custody at his Converse home around 3 a.m. Wednesday after the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a tip about a planned attack for Thursday, according to multiple law enforcement sources. Caldera was charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant and held at Bexar County Jail before posting a $75,000 bond.
The Texas DPS, working with the FBI and local partners, conducted the arrest and notified state legislators of the threat and arrest on Wednesday morning. The Texas Capitol remained open during regular operating hours, though authorities increased security presence as the investigation continued.
Key developments in the case
- Arrest and charges: Caldera was arrested at his residence in Converse, a suburb northeast of San Antonio, and transported to Bexar County Jail. He faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant, according to Texas DPS and court records.
- Bond release: Caldera was released on bond the same day, with Bexar County court records confirming the $75,000 bond. His prior criminal record includes an unlicensed carrying of a weapon charge from November 2023, per county records.
- Investigation details: Texas DPS described the threat as "credible" and said the alleged plot involved plans for a violent attack on Thursday. The FBI assisted in the investigation, though no additional suspects have been publicly identified.
- Security response: Texas DPS leadership notified state legislators and increased security at the Capitol. Gov. Greg Abbott praised law enforcement efforts in a statement on social media, emphasizing that "Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol."
Background and context
The tip prompting the investigation was received Tuesday evening, triggering a rapid response from state and federal authorities. Texas DPS special agents, alongside FBI San Antonio and local law enforcement, executed the arrest within hours of the initial alert.
Officials have not disclosed specific details about the alleged plot, citing the ongoing investigation. An official briefed on the matter told ABC News that Caldera had reportedly been "threatening to conduct a mass shooting at the Texas Capitol" and had been "collecting ammo and had guns." The official added that people who knew Caldera had notified authorities about his growing anger and potential for violence in recent weeks.
Family members and co-workers have been cooperating with investigators, though neither Caldera nor his wife are currently assisting with the probe, the official said.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
The investigation remains active, with Texas DPS continuing to monitor the situation and maintain an elevated security posture at the Capitol. Authorities have not identified a specific target or motive for the alleged plot, and no further arrests have been announced.
Texas DPS stated that it would provide no further information until the investigation concludes. The agency reiterated that the Capitol remains open and operational during regular hours, with enhanced security measures in place to protect employees, visitors, and state officials.