Benny Caldera Jr. faces state and federal charges after authorities said a tip led investigators to an alleged threat against the Capitol.
AUSTIN, TX — A San Antonio-area man is in federal custody after authorities said they disrupted an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack on the Texas State Capitol, prompting an overnight investigation and increased security at the government complex.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, of Converse, was arrested early Sept. 30 after the Texas Department of Public Safety received what it described as credible information about a possible attack planned for Oct. 1. State investigators worked with the FBI and local law enforcement before DPS SWAT officers arrested Caldera at his residence. He was initially accused of making a felony terroristic threat against a public servant and was later transferred to federal custody.
Federal prosecutors said the investigation began after another person reported statements Caldera allegedly made Sept. 29 about going to the Capitol and carrying out a shooting. Court documents also allege Caldera expressed anger toward the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Caldera is presumed innocent unless convicted.
The Texas Department of Public Safety obtained state arrest and search warrants after receiving the report, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. The FBI assisted with surveillance before DPS agents arrested Caldera inside his residence early the following morning. Authorities have credited the person who reported the alleged statements with bringing the potential threat to law enforcement’s attention.
Federal prosecutors subsequently charged Caldera with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to the federal criminal complaint, investigators searching his residence found firearms and ammunition, including a revolver whose serial number appeared to have been removed. The federal weapons allegation is separate from the state terroristic-threat charge tied to the alleged statements about the Capitol.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons said Caldera was in federal custody because a concerned person reported the alleged threat. Simmons said the report allowed state and federal authorities to investigate before the date on which the alleged attack was expected to occur. The FBI is continuing the federal investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
State officials notified Texas lawmakers about the threat and arrest. The Capitol remained open during regular operating hours, while DPS maintained an increased security presence for employees, visitors and state officials. DPS said there was no reason to believe an ongoing threat remained against the Capitol, lawmakers, staff or the public after the arrest.
Some early reports raised questions about whether other people could have been involved. An email sent to Capitol staff and obtained by The Texas Tribune described Caldera as the main suspect and referred to suspected co-conspirators. Public statements from DPS did not announce additional arrests, and authorities have not established publicly that anyone else participated in the alleged plan.
Caldera was initially booked into the Bexar County Jail in connection with the state case before being taken into federal custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the federal firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison if he is convicted. Any sentence would be determined by a federal judge under federal law and sentencing guidelines.
The investigation remains active. Federal prosecutors have not alleged in the announced federal charge that an attack occurred, and authorities said the Capitol continued normal operations with enhanced security. Caldera’s criminal complaint remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 2, 2026.