Man accused of Texas Capitol attack plot faces federal charge
A man accused of planning an attack on the Texas Capitol in Austin has been charged with a federal gun offense, prosecutors said. He allegedly threatened to “shoot it up” and made threats against AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was arrested at about 3 a.m. Wednesday at his home in Converse, near San Antonio, according to state officials. He is now in federal custody on a charge of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
Court documents allege that the suspect told another person on Tuesday that he was going to the Capitol to “shoot it up.” Prosecutors said he specifically expressed anger toward AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group.
“These people have to be exterminated,” he allegedly said of the group. In a recorded conversation, he also said he had made up his mind and said goodbye to his parents, according to the criminal complaint.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of the threats Tuesday and obtained an arrest warrant and a warrant to search his residence. The FBI conducted surveillance before DPS personnel arrested the suspect inside the home.
During the search, agents allegedly found a .357 revolver loaded with six rounds and a 12-gauge shotgun in the master bedroom closet, along with six rounds of 9mm ammunition. The revolver’s serial number appeared to have been filed off the side of its frame, prosecutors said.
The suspect was initially taken to the Bexar County Jail and charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. DPS previously said the alleged Capitol attack was planned for October 1.
A memo sent to state senators said the suspect had been planning the attack with others, according to WBC24. Authorities have not announced any additional arrests.
“This defendant is in federal custody today thanks to a perceptive and concerned citizen seeing something and saying something,” U.S. Attorney Justin Simmon said in a statement.
If convicted of the federal firearm charge, he faces up to five years in prison. The FBI is investigating with assistance from DPS.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
