A grave threat to the Texas State Capitol in Austin was definitively averted, thanks to the swift and effective intervention by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in a joint operation with the FBI. Authorities announced the arrest of 40-year-old Benny Caldera, Jr. in Converse, Texas, preempting a planned assault on the state’s legislative heart.
Yet, the chilling details emerging from the arrest documents reveal a motive as alarming as the alleged plot itself.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, DPS officers spoke with a friend of Caldera, who reported that Caldera "had made verbal threats to assault the Texas State Capitol Building." This friend recounted Caldera saying, "I love you, if you don't see me again," before chillingly adding, "I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up."
Further court filings indicate that Caldera allegedly told his friend he was angry at AIPAC (American Israeli Public Affairs Committee), declaring that "these people have to be exterminated." The sheer absurdity and dangerous nature of linking a state capitol to complex foreign policy issues and expressing antisemitic rage underscore a deeply troubling and extremist mindset.
Caldera was initially charged at the state level with making a felony terroristic threat against a public servant. His legal troubles quickly escalated when the FBI took him into federal custody from the Bexar County Jail to face additional federal charges in connection with the possible planned attack.
Texas DPS officials have since reassured the public that there is currently no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the Texas State Capitol, its legislators, staff, or the public. However, an increased law enforcement presence will remain at the Capitol to ensure the continued protection of employees, visitors, and state officials. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to uphold law and order and protect our institutions from domestic extremism, ensuring that American values of peace and security prevail.
