Authorities have arrested a Texas man accused of planning a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, of Converse, Texas, was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Wednesday near San Antonio in a joint operation by DPS SWAT, the FBI, and local law enforcement — hours after DPS received "credible information" about a planned Thursday attack.
Court records cited in reporting say the tip followed threatening statements Caldera allegedly made to an acquaintance, including a vow to "shoot up" the Capitol and anger directed at AIPAC. Caldera was charged with terroristic threat against a public servant, a felony, and booked into Bexar County jail on $75,000 bond.
Reports differ on whether he has been released or remains held; DPS says the investigation continues and more federal charges are possible. Lawmakers were notified, and Capitol security has been heightened.
What to watch next: whether federal charges are filed — and what investigators find on the suspect's devices.