SWAT officers arrest Texas man who allegedly plotted a 'violent attack' on Austin's state capitol

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026.

Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was taken into custody by SWAT officers at 3am Wednesday at his home in Converse, near San Antonio, after the Texas Department of Public Safety received a credible tip the previous evening. The alleged attack had been planned for Thursday. Caldera faces a charge of felony terroristic threat against a public servant and was released on a $75,000 bond.

Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the FBI assisted in the arrest, vowing Texas will 'NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol'.

Authorities have withheld details of the alleged plot while the investigation remains open, though state lawmakers were informed of the threat early Wednesday.

Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw has ordered increased security at the Capitol while the investigation continues.