A Texas man was arrested early Wednesday at his home outside San Antonio after authorities received a tip that he was planning an armed attack on the Texas State Capitol, according to court documents and law enforcement statements reported Thursday.
Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was taken into custody at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday by Texas Department of Public Safety SWAT officers at his residence in Converse, a city just northeast of San Antonio. The arrest followed a warning from a friend of Caldera’s who told investigators the suspect had sent a disturbing farewell message.
According to arrest documents cited by NBCDFW, Caldera wrote to the friend: “I love you, if you don’t see me again … I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up.”
In the same message, Caldera reportedly expressed anger at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), writing that “these people have to be exterminated,” according to the arrest affidavit.
The friend, described as unnerved by the message, contacted law enforcement, prompting the rapid response from state and federal authorities.
Initial charges and federal custody
Caldera was initially charged with making a terroristic threat against a public servant, a felony, and held on a $75,000 bond. By Wednesday evening, however, he had been transferred into federal custody, signaling that additional or more serious charges may be forthcoming.
Records reviewed by authorities show this was not Caldera’s first encounter with law enforcement. He was previously arrested in 2023 for carrying an unlicensed firearm. It is not clear from the records what the outcome of that case was.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about a possible motive beyond the message have been released. It is not known whether Caldera has retained an attorney or entered a plea.
Anti-AIPAC rhetoric draws scrutiny
The suspect’s specific mention of AIPAC has drawn attention to the increasingly heated rhetoric surrounding the pro-Israel lobbying group, which has become a flashpoint in Democratic primaries and a frequent target of criticism from both the left and the right.
Progressive lawmakers such as Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), along with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), have been vocal critics of AIPAC’s influence in Democratic politics, particularly its spending in primary races against candidates they view as insufficiently critical of Israel. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) has also criticized the group, while some former endorsees, including Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have publicly distanced themselves from AIPAC’s support.
On the right, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has pushed conspiracy theories about AIPAC and introduced legislation to force the group to register as a foreign agent — a move echoed by former Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Matt Gaetz (R-FL).
Federal lobbying disclosures, however, show that AIPAC’s spending is far smaller than many of its critics suggest. In 2024, the group ranked 191st in federal lobbying expenditures at $3.3 million — well behind major tech companies, oil conglomerates, and even some beer distributors. Foreign nations such as China and Saudi Arabia spend significantly more on lobbying efforts related to their interests.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not indicated whether Caldera had any direct connection to AIPAC or whether his anger was inspired by broader political rhetoric. The FBI and Texas DPS have not released additional details about the investigation, and it remains unclear whether Caldera acted alone or had any accomplices.
The arrest has renewed concerns about political violence and the potential for lone-wolf attacks targeting government buildings. Security at the Texas State Capitol, as well as other statehouses, has been heightened in recent years following a series of threats and incidents nationwide.
Caldera’s initial court appearance in federal court has not yet been scheduled, according to officials. If convicted of the federal charges that may follow, he could face significant prison time.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/fbi-nabs-extremist-plotting-texas-capitol-massacre