Texas and federal law enforcement say they thwarted a planned violent attack against the Texas State Capitol just hours after receiving information about the alleged plot.

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Authorities arrested 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. at his home near San Antonio early Wednesday morning. Although investigators say there is no longer an ongoing threat to the Capitol, newly released information offers a disturbing look at what Caldera allegedly intended to do.

From KUT News:

The Texas Department of Public Safety found a “credible” threat to attack the Capitol on Thursday, the agency confirmed in an email.

DPS said the threat was initiated by Benny Caldera Jr., 40, and several co-conspirators who had planned to carry out a “violent attack” on Oct. 1. DPS said they worked with the FBI and local law enforcement to arrest Caldera at his residence in Converse, a city just outside San Antonio, around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Caldera was transported to the Bexar County Jail and charged with felony terroristic threat against a public servant, DPS said. A $75,000 bond was set for Caldera, according to county documents.

Additional reporting has revealed more about the alleged plot. According to an arrest-warrant affidavit obtained by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, a friend told investigators that Caldera said, “I am going to the Capitol and I am going to shoot it up.” The affidavit also alleges that Caldera expressed anger toward the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), saying, “These people have to be exterminated.”

ABC News reported that an official briefed on the investigation said Caldera allegedly possessed firearms and had been collecting ammunition. The official said people who knew Caldera had noticed him becoming increasingly angry and potentially violent, and that he had recently expressed anger about the direction of the country and the Palestinian cause, among other issues. Investigators are examining his electronic devices to determine whether he had accomplices or co-conspirators and whether there was any particular significance to the planned Oct. 1 attack date.

Caldera was initially booked into the Bexar County Jail on the state felony charge. Texas DPS later clarified that the FBI arrested him at the jail and transferred him into federal custody to face additional federal charges. Authorities say he is therefore not out on bond. DPS has increased security at the Capitol while the investigation continues.

The speed with which authorities reportedly uncovered and disrupted this alleged attack is something for which we can be grateful. At the same time, the allegations are another sobering reminder of the threat posed by political hatred that escalates into violence. As investigators determine Caldera’s motive and whether anyone else was involved, let’s pray for wisdom and discernment for law enforcement, protection over our elected officials and public institutions, and that any additional plans or participants will be uncovered before anyone is harmed.

Share your prayers for our leaders and law enforcement in the comments below.

(Excerpt from KUT News. Photo Credit: Lewis Ashton/Pexels)