A 40-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to attack the Texas state capitol, authorities said. The Texas department of public safety said in a statement that it received “credible information about an individual planning a violent attack” for Thursday in Austin. Benny Caldera Jr told a friend, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up,” according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by NBC 5 DFW.
Caldera had expressed anger over the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), NBC 5 DFW reported. The tip came in Tuesday evening, and Swat officers arrested Caldera at about 3am on Wednesday at a residence in Converse, Texas, near San Antonio. Caldera has been charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant, court records show.
He has been released after posting a $75,000 bond. Messages were left seeking comment from an attorney listed for Caldera. Public safety officials notified state lawmakers about the threat and arrest early on Wednesday.
The Capitol remained open during regular operating hours. Texas senate secretary Patsy Spaw said in a notice that there will be increased security at the Capitol during the investigation. Governor Greg Abbott said the state DPS was assisted by the FBI in making the arrest.
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