Threat to Texas Capitol Thwarted
Authorities have reportedly stopped a potential attack on the Texas state Capitol in Austin. This action follows threats made by a suspect aiming to carry out a shooting at the Capitol, as indicated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
According to reports, 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. from Converse was taken into custody at his residence around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, which was the day prior to when he allegedly planned to execute the attack.
DPS officials mentioned that they received a tip-off regarding the alleged scheme and, after assessing the information with the FBI, deemed it a credible threat.
Coincidentally, President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Texas on Thursday for an event at a truck manufacturing plant near Dallas.
An arrest warrant claims that Caldera communicated his intentions to a friend, who subsequently alerted law enforcement. Reportedly, Caldera expressed sentiments like, “I love you, if you don’t see me again,” followed by his plans to attack the Capitol.
He reportedly mentioned his motives were rooted in anger towards AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, stating, “These people have to be exterminated.”
FBI Director Kash Patel conveyed on social media that the suspect was apprehended just hours after the initial tip was received, indicating the urgency of the situation. He added, “Threaten Americans or our institutions and law enforcement will move FAST. Investigation ongoing.”
Caldera has been placed in Bexar County Jail, facing a bond of $75,000, before being moved to federal custody later that night. At a state level, he has been charged with making a terroristic threat against a public official, but specific federal charges have yet to be established.
Earlier in November 2023, Caldera faced legal issues related to carrying a weapon without a permit.
Officials assessed the situation and believed there was no ongoing threat to the Capitol, although law enforcement presence was heightened there on Thursday.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a statement online emphasizing that threats of violence against the Capitol would not be tolerated in the state.
