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Man accused in plot to attack Texas Capitol building is released on bond
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) thwarted a planned violent attack on the Texas State Capitol in Austin after receiving credible information about the threat.
- Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was arrested early Wednesday by DPS SWAT at his home in Converse, Texas, following an investigation involving DPS special agents and the FBI.
- Caldera allegedly made threats to assault the Capitol, expressing anger towards the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and was charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant.
- Caldera was previously charged with unlicensed carrying of a weapon in November 2023 and was released on a $75,000 bond after the recent arrest.
- Texas DPS informed legislators of the threat and increased security presence at the Capitol, which remains open for regular hours to protect employees, visitors, and officials.
