Man in custody following tip about 'violent attack' on Texas capitol: Authorities

A man accused of planning a violent attack on the Texas Capitol in Austin is currently in custody, following a tip that led state authorities to apprehend the suspect. The Texas State Department of Public Safety and the FBI successfully thwarted a credible threat against the state capitol, as reported to Texas state senators on Wednesday. The alleged attack was planned for Thursday, according to authorities.

The investigation began on Tuesday evening when Texas DPS learned of the threat. Special agents collaborated with the FBI and local partners before arresting 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr., identified as the main suspect, at his residence in Converse, Texas, around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. Caldera was subsequently transported to the Bexar County jail and charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant.

According to an official briefed on the investigation, Caldera had allegedly been threatening mass shootings at the Texas Capitol and had been amassing ammunition and firearms. He reportedly became increasingly angry and potentially violent recently, according to the official. Caldera and his wife are currently not cooperating with the probe, though other family members and co-workers are providing information to investigators.

In recent weeks, the suspect expressed anger over the state, the country's direction, and the Palestinian cause. He was also allegedly using drugs more heavily. Authorities are currently seeking search warrants for Caldera's devices to determine if there were any accomplices or co-conspirators and the significance of Thursday's date.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the investigation, acknowledging the outstanding work of Texas DPS. In a message on social media, he emphasized that threatening Americans or our institutions and law enforcement would be swiftly dealt with. The Texas State Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw informed state senators that while the alleged threat was not cause for immediate concern, she wanted to inform them of the situation. The investigation is ongoing, and Texas DPS has promised an enhanced presence at the Capitol.