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By Dan Gooding, Jennifer Radcliffe, and Jordan King
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A man is in custody after being accused of threatening to head to the Texas Capitol in Austin to "shoot it up," authorities said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) told Newsweek that it received the tip about the plot on Tuesday night, which led to the arrest of Benny Caldera Jr., 40, at his home in Converse on Wednesday.
Caldera was charged with making a terroristic threat against a public servant and posted a $75,000 bond, according to records. However, he was later arrested by the FBI on federal charges.
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According to an arrest warrant affidavit cited by NBC DFW and other outlets, Caldera told a friend he was "going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up." The affidavit also alleges he told the friend: "I love you, if you don't see me again."
The Texas DPS said: "DPS leadership notified Texas State Legislators of the threat and arrest earlier today, and the Texas Capitol remains open for regular operating hours. DPS will continue to have an increased posture at the Texas Capitol to protect all employees, visitors and state officials."
The DPS said there is no reason to believe there is any ongoing threat to the Capitol, legislators or staff. The FBI deferred to the DPS when contacted for comment.
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What We Know About The Motive
Authorities have not confirmed a motive, and said the intended target of the alleged threat remains unclear.
But Caldera's friend told DPS officers that he "had made verbal threats to assault the Texas State Capitol Building," NBC DFW reported, citing the arrest warrant affidavit.
Caldera also allegedly told his friend that he was angry at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobbying group, saying "these people have to be exterminated," according to NBC DFW.
Who Is Benny Caldera Jr.?
Caldera was charged with unlicensed carrying of a weapon in November 2023, according to court records cited by NBC DFW.
Local Austin-based newspaper KUT also reported weapons charges in 2023 and 2024, citing Bexar County records. It is unclear whether any of these charges resulted in convictions.
Caldera made bond for the felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant. The federal charges that he faces have not yet been confirmed.
How Officials Have Responded
FBI Director Kash Patel commended law enforcement's fast response, writing on X: "Within hours of the tip, Texas DPS had the main suspect in custody — with FBI San Antonio and local law enforcement assisting."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X on Wednesday evening: "Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol. Thank you, Texas DPS, for a job well done."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Edward T. Cummins
Update 10/1/26 4 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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