🚨UPDATE:🚨Late this evening, Benny Caldera Jr., 40, was arrested by the FBI at the Bexar Co. Jail to face additional federal charges in connection with a possible planned attack at the Texas State Capitol. Caldera Jr. was then released from the Bexar Co. Jail into federal custody, where he will remain. He is not out on bond. At this time, there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the Texas State Capitol. DPS will continue an increased posture at the Texas Capitol and encourages ALL Texans to remain vigilant.

DPS Through the Years: 1935-1940 | The Beginning In August, @TxDPS marks its 90th anniversary. Leading up to this important milestone, we are looking back at the history of DPS and some of the key milestones that have shaped our department. Tune in over the next few weeks as we travel back through our history together. Our journey begins in 1935 when the Texas legislature officially created the Texas Department of Public Safety. Growth didn’t take long for DPS, as the newly created department continued to expand with the addition of new divisions and evolution of existing ones. #90YearsOfDPS #DPSThroughTheYears #90YearsOfServingTexas

While the rain was still pouring down, first responders rushed into action in Kerr County. In the air, on the ground and by boat, they rescued several hundred people over several days – some trapped in vehicles, some in flooded homes, even some found clinging to trees miles from where they started — all with no way out. This is one of the rescues performed by DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division. The joint efforts of first responders – state, local and federal – have been tireless. “The events of the last week have been devastating,” said Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “But through it all, our first responders have shown remarkable strength and determination. I am incredibly proud not only of the men and women of DPS, but of all our local, state and federal partners. Their combined work, day after day, speaks volumes about the spirit of Texans, and it is a true honor to work among them.” #protectandserve #kerrvilleTexas

Texas is a law-and-order state. Today, and always, the Texas Department of Public Safety stands ready to protect the people and property of this great state. @TxDPSCapitol #DPS #protectandserve

DPS encourages Texans to download the iWatchTexas mobile app today. iWatchTexas is a tool for the public to report suspicious activities or behavior in their schools and communities to law enforcement. It’s your one-stop shop for reporting concerns ― including suspicious activities or behaviors that may indicate criminal, terroristic or school safety related threats. It's easy-to-use and usually takes less than five minutes to complete a report using iWatchTexas. You can submit a report 24/7 using any of the following: 📱 the (FREE) iWatchTexas mobile app; 💻 the iwatchtx.org website; or ☎️ by calling 844-643-2251. [Please note: iWatchTexas is not designed to report emergencies. If a situation requires an emergency response, call 911.]

Today, Freeman F. Martin assumed command of @TxDPS during a special swearing-in ceremony held at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Martin, the first Texas Ranger to lead the department, was unanimously selected to serve as DPS’ 14th Director by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) last month. During today’s ceremony, Governor Abbott administered the state oath and official DPS Colonel badge to Director Martin. Additionally, in honor of the change of command, Chairman Steven P. Mach, outgoing Director Steven McCraw and Director Martin participated in a DPS flag exchange — symbolizing the transition of command from one Director to the next. Read more about the ceremony and our new Director at bit.ly/3CVeI7H. You can also watch the ceremony at youtu.be/HzIvwniL_t4.