Man accused of planning violent attack at Texas State Capitol, DPS says

A San Antonio-area man is accused of planning a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol in Austin, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The agency said it received credible information on Tuesday that 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. was planning the attack for Thursday, Oct. 1. DPS said it worked with the FBI and local partners to arrest Caldera at his home in the town of Converse.

According to court documents, on Sept. 29, Caldera allegedly told another individual that he was going to the Capitol and would “shoot it up,” specifically expressing his anger toward the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

A criminal complaint alleges that Caldera said of AIPAC, “These people have to be exterminated.” The complaint also alleges that Caldera stated in a recorded conversation that he had made up his mind and had said goodbye to his parents.  

During the search of his home, Texas DPS Criminal Investigation Division agents allegedly found a .357 revolver loaded with six rounds and a 12-gauge shotgun in his master bedroom closet, along with six 9mm rounds. The criminal complaint alleges that the serial number on the side of the revolver frame appeared to have been filed off.  

The arrest happened at 3 a.m. Wednesday, the agency said. Caldera is charged with making a terroristic threat against a public servant and charged federally for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.  

Caldera was released from the Bexar County Jail into federal custody on Wednesday, where he will remain, according to Texas DPS. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Texas DPS said its leadership team notified state lawmakers about the threat and arrest earlier in the day on Wednesday, and that the Capitol building remained open for regular operating hours. The agency said it will continue to have an increased posture at the Texas Capitol to protect all employees, visitors and state officials.   

The FBI is investigating.