Man arrested over alleged Texas state capitol attack plot
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Converse, Texas, over an alleged plot to attack the state capitol in Austin on Thursday; he could face a felony terroristic threat charge.
Police in Texas have arrested a 40-year-old man accused of planning a violent attack on the state capitol in Austin on Thursday.
Benny Caldera Jr was taken into custody at about 3am on Wednesday at his home in Converse, near San Antonio, by a SWAT team, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said.
DPS said officers acted after receiving “credible information about an individual planning a violent attack” for Thursday in Austin. The tip arrived on Tuesday evening, and state lawmakers were notified early on Wednesday.
Caldera could face charges including felony terroristic threat against a public servant, DPS said. He was being held on a $75,000 bond. Officials gave no details of the alleged plot, citing the continuing investigation.
The capitol remained open during normal hours on Wednesday, though Texas Senate secretary Patsy Spaw said security had been increased at the building.
Governor Greg Abbott said DPS officers had been assisted by the FBI in the arrest, writing on social media: “Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol.”
Source: The Guardian
More on this topic: all World stories
