Man arrested over alleged plot to attack Texas state capitol
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Texas on suspicion of planning a violent attack on the state capitol in Austin. The building remained open as security was increased during the investigation.
Authorities in Texas arrested a 40-year-old man early Wednesday on suspicion of plotting a violent attack against the state capitol in Austin, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
Officials said a tip containing credible information about a planned attack for Thursday came in Tuesday evening. SWAT officers carried out the arrest at around 3am on Wednesday at a residence in Converse, near San Antonio.
The man, identified as Benny Caldera Jr, was booked into jail on a $75,000 bond. He could face several charges, including a felony count of making a terroristic threat against a public servant, officials said. Attempts to reach an attorney listed for Caldera for comment were unsuccessful.
Officials declined to release details of the alleged plot, citing the ongoing investigation. State lawmakers were notified of the threat and the arrest early Wednesday morning. The Capitol continued normal operations during regular hours.
Texas senate secretary Patsy Spaw said security at the Capitol would be increased while the investigation continues.
Governor Greg Abbott said the state's Department of Public Safety had been assisted by the FBI in making the arrest. "Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol," Abbott said in a statement posted on social media.
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