Security at the Texas State Capitol was significantly heightened Thursday after state authorities announced they had disrupted a planned violent attack on the landmark building that was allegedly set to take place on October 1.
Texas Department of Public Safety Director Col. Freeman Martin credited a tip from a friend of the suspect as the critical breakthrough in preventing the attack. That tip was reported to the Texas Fusion Center on Tuesday night and triggered an immediate law enforcement response.
The suspect identified in the arrest warrant is Benny Caldera Jr., a 40-year-old man from Converse, Texas. According to documents, Caldera told an acquaintance on Monday that he intended to go to the Capitol and “shoot it up.” He also expressed violent hostility toward the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee.
Authorities arrested Caldera in the early morning hours of Wednesday at his Converse residence. Neighbors described being jolted awake by officers demanding Caldera surrender with his hands raised. One neighbor, Cookie Noverola, expressed shock and urged people to find peaceful ways to handle grievances rather than targeting public institutions.
Investigators also recovered written materials from inside Caldera’s home which were seized as evidence. His digital devices are currently being examined as part of the ongoing investigation into his motive and the full scope of his alleged plan.
Caldera now faces a terroristic threat charge against a public servant in addition to several federal charges. He is currently being held in federal custody.
DPS confirmed there is no continuing threat to the Capitol at this time. The agency emphasized that the swift action by law enforcement following the tip prevented what could have been a deadly incident.
The Texas Fusion Center has played a central role in identifying and neutralizing threats across the state since 2018. Officials said the center has processed more than 39,000 suspicious activity reports during that period and has helped prevent at least 75 attacks including the one allegedly planned by Caldera.
Martin noted that warning signs surrounding Caldera had existed for some time but that the situation only came to a head when someone in his circle recognized the danger and came forward. The director stressed the importance of community members reporting suspicious behavior to authorities before situations escalate.