Austin, TX — Texas authorities say they disrupted a planned violent attack on the state Capitol after receiving a credible tip and arresting the alleged main suspect within hours.
The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the suspect as 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. of Converse, near San Antonio. DPS said investigators learned Tuesday evening of a planned attack scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, and worked with the FBI and local law enforcement to locate Caldera.
DPS SWAT officers arrested him at his home around 3 a.m. Wednesday. He was initially booked into the Bexar County Jail on a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant. Authorities later said he was transferred to federal custody as the investigation continued.
A memo sent to Texas senators described Caldera as the “main suspect” and referenced suspected co-conspirators, although state authorities have not announced additional arrests. Officials also have not publicly identified a motive.
The Capitol remained open during regular hours Wednesday, with an enhanced DPS presence around the building. Gov. Greg Abbott praised state and federal authorities for acting quickly against the alleged threat.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
