What Happened: Benny Caldera Jr., 40, of Converse, was arrested and federally charged after authorities say he allegedly planned a shooting at the Texas State Capitol set for Oct. 1. Threats & Evidence: Investigators say he told an associate he would "shoot it up" and expressed hostility toward AIPAC; a search reportedly turned up a .357 revolver with the serial number obliterated, a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition. Next Steps: He is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Oct. 1 and faces up to five years if convicted on the federal charge.
Texas Man Arrested After Alleged Plot To 'Shoot Up' State Capitol; Firearms Seized
Texas man accused in Texas State Capitol plot had guns in home
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, of Converse, Texas, was arrested after federal and state authorities say he allegedly planned a shooting at the Texas State Capitol in Austin that was reportedly scheduled for Oct. 1. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas announced a federal charge accusing him of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
According to the criminal complaint and law enforcement statements, Caldera allegedly told an acquaintance on Sept. 29 that he intended to "go to the Capitol" and "shoot it up," and expressed anger toward the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The complaint quotes him as saying, "These people have to be exterminated," and alleges that in a recorded conversation he told someone he had "made up his mind" and said goodbye to his parents.
The Texas Department of Public Safety received a report of the threats on Sept. 30, obtained a state arrest warrant and a search warrant for Caldera's residence in Converse, near San Antonio. During the search, agents from the Texas DPS Criminal Investigation Division reportedly found a .357 revolver loaded with six rounds and a 12-gauge shotgun in the master bedroom closet, plus six 9mm rounds elsewhere in the home.
Federal prosecutors say the serial number on the revolver frame had been obliterated and appeared to have been filed off—a detail that underlies the federal charge. Caldera was taken into custody and is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Oct. 1. If convicted on the federal charge, he faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.
Official Response: Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, "Texas DPS and the FBI stopped a planned attack on the Texas Capitol. Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol." State and federal officials said their coordinated response prevented the plan from moving forward.
The charge was announced by U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. The allegations are from a criminal complaint and have not been proven in court; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Source: USA TODAY reporting by Natassia Paloma.
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