AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas announced Thursday that a Bexar County man accused of making threats to the Texas State Capitol is now facing federal gun charges.
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Wednesday that Benny Caldera, Jr., 40, had been taken into federal custody after being released from Bexar County Jail.
An arrest affidavit for Caldera reveals he allegedly told a friend, “I am going to the Capitol and am going to shoot it up.”
The affidavit alleged Caldera was motivated by anger at the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.
“These people have to be exterminated,” investigators said Caldera told the friend.
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The affidavit notes the friend informed law enforcement of the threats.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons announced Thursday that Caldera is being charged with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“Had the alleged threats not been taken seriously and reported to law enforcement, we could have a very different and tragic story to tell today,” Simmons said. “I appreciate the diligent efforts of our partners at Texas DPS and at the FBI, and I again urge everyone to take threats like this seriously and report them appropriately. You never know the impact you may have and the number of lives you could save.”
On Thursday morning, Gov. Greg Abbott also addressed the threat to the Capitol, applauding the work done by law enforcement.
“We need to recognize that we live in a time when there are people who make these types of threats,” he said. “What we’re grateful for is the fact that the Texas Department of Public Safety was made aware of this potential threat.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Caldera is set to appear in federal court Thursday and, if convicted, could face up to five years in prison.
Texas DPS and the FBI are investigating.