The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested a Bexar County man Wednesday in connection with the threat of a “violent attack” on the Texas Capitol. He has since been charged federally with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Keep Watching 4 DPS special agents worked alongside the FBI and local law enforcement to arrest 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. around 3 a.m. at his home in Converse. 

Caldera was charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant. Federal prosecutors said Thursday that Caldera allegedly told another person he planned to go to the Capitol and “shoot it up,” while expressing anger toward the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. Caldera allegedly said of AIPAC, “These people have to be exterminated,” according to a federal criminal complaint. Prosecutors said he also stated during a recorded conversation that he had made up his mind and had said goodbye to his parents. According to a statement from DPS, the agency received “credible information” about the threat — planned for Oct. 1 — on Tuesday and “worked through the night” to arrest Caldera. 

Federal prosecutors said DPS obtained an arrest warrant and a search warrant for Caldera’s home after receiving the report. The FBI conducted surveillance before DPS agents arrested him inside the residence Wednesday. During a search of the home, DPS agents found a .357 revolver loaded with six rounds and a 12-gauge shotgun in Caldera’s bedroom closet, along with six 9mm rounds, according to the complaint. Investigators said the serial number on the revolver had been obliterated and appeared to have been filed off.

Caldera was charged in federal court with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and was scheduled to make his initial appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney. The federal charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison if he is convicted. AThe FBI is investigating the federal case with assistance from DPS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lathrop is prosecuting the case.

Source: DPS arrests man for threatening ‘violent attack’ on Texas Capitol

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.


Discover more from Drink of Jesus

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Drink of Jesus

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading