A planned attack at the Texas State Capital was thwarted by law enforcement after the suspected ringleader was arrested early this morning.
According to Texas DPS, 40-year-old Benny Caldera, Jr., was taken into custody by DPS SWAT at his residence in Converse, about 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio.
State Senator Paul Bettencourt confirmed the attack was planned for tomorrow, October 1st, and the capitol complex now has heightened security.
Caldera was transported to the Bexar County Jail and charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. It was reported he was released on a $75,000 bond, however Texas DPS said Wednesday night that he is not out on bond and was instead released into federal custody.
Media reports say that Bexar County court records show that Caldera was previously charged with unlicensed carrying of a weapon in Nov. 2023.
No motive for the planned attack has been given.