Oct. 1 (UPI) — Federal authorities have arrested a 40-year-old man accused of plotting to attack the Texas State Capitol, according to officials and jail records.
Benny Caldera Jr. was arrested at 3:30 a.m. CDT Wednesday and charged with a making a terroristic threat against a public servant, a third-degree felony. He was subsequently released from the state hold and transferred to federal custody at 7:41 p.m., Bexar County Central Magistrate records show.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the transfer, stating online that 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.”
Caldera had been held at the Bexar County Jail prior to his release to FBI custody, where the TDPS says he “will remain.”
“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,” TDPS said in a statement.
Little information about the alleged threat has been made public. According to court documents, Caldera had informed a friend, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up,” Austin’s KVUE reported.
FBI Director Kash Patel said online that Caldera was arrested within hours of authorities receiving a tip about the alleged attack.
“Threaten Americans or our institutions and law enforcement will more FAST,” he said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
“Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also said online.