The Texas Department of Public Safety has confirmed that agents foiled a plan to attack the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
According to Texas DPS, officers received credible information of an individual planning a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Texas DPS said special agents with the Criminal Investigation Division were working alongside the FBI to investigate the validity of the threat and the circumstances of the attack.
Around 3 a.m. Wednesday, DPS SWAT arrested Benny Caldera, Jr., 40, at his residence in Converse, about 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, Texas DPS said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has confirmed that agents foiled a plan to attack the Texas State Capitol in Austin. DPS SWAT arrested Benny Caldera, Jr., 40, at his residence in Bexar County.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, DPS officers spoke to Caldera’s friend, who said he “made verbal threats to attack the Texas State Capitol building.”
Caldera’s friend told DPS officers that Caldera said, “I love you, if you don’t see me again,” and explained that “I’m going to the Capitol and I’m going to shoot it up,” according to arrest documents.
The arrest documents further state that Caldera told his friend that he was angry at AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and that “these people need to be exterminated.”
Texas DPS
Texas DPS
Caldera was held in the Bexar County Jail on $75,000 bail, where he was charged with making a terroristic threat to a public servant.
According to Texas DPS, Caldera was arrested Wednesday evening by the FBI at the Bexar County Jail to face additional federal charges in connection with the possible planned attack. He was later released from the Bexar County Jail and placed in federal custody.
Bexar County court records show Caldera was previously charged with carrying a gun without a license in November 2023.
According to Texas DPS, leaders informed Texas state lawmakers about the threat and arrest on Wednesday, and the Texas Capitol remains open during normal operating hours.
Texas DPS said at this time there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the Texas State Capitol, lawmakers, staff or the public. Officers will continue to have an increased presence at the Texas Capitol to protect employees, visitors and state officials.
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