The Texas State Capitol was under tighter security Thursday after the Texas Department of Public Safety said authorities prevented a planned violent attack targeting the Capitol on Oct. 1. DPS Director Col. Freeman Martin said a report from suspect Benny Caldera Jr.’s friend Tuesday night was c rucial in preventing the alleged attack. The tip was reported to the Texas Fusion Center, prompting a rapid response from authorities. “There were probably indicators over the last couple of years based on some interviews that we’ve done, but it wasn’t until somebody recognized that this is a problem,” Martin said. According to Caldera’s arrest warrant, the 40-year-old told the friend Monday, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up.” Caldera also told the friend he was angry at the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, saying, “these people have to be exterminated.” Caldera was taken into custody early Wednesday morning at his Converse home. Neighbors said they were awakened in the middle of the night and were surprised to learn about the alleged violent threat. “And they were yelling, you know, to come out, you know, with your hands up and stuff like that,” neighbor Cookie Noverola said. “Whatever you’re mad about, don’t take it out on a state capitol, you know? Deal with it,” Noverola said. DPS said writings were also found in Caldera’s home and collected as evidence. Caldera faces a terroristic threat against a public servant charge along with additional federal charges. He remains in federal custody. Since 2018, DPS said the Texas Fusion Center has received more than 39,000 suspicious activity reports and prevented at least 75 attacks, including the one allegedly planned by Caldera. DPS said there is no ongoing threat to the Texas State Capitol. The investigation into Caldera’s motive and potential plan continues, including interviews and searches of his digital devices. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less