Nine people were convicted by a federal jury Friday for charges stemming from last year’s attack on an ICE detention facility in Texas, in what federal prosecutors called the first-ever terrorism trial for “antifa” adherents.
One man, Benjamin Song, whom authorities cast as the ringleader of a northern Texas antifa cell, was convicted of attempted murder after a police officer was wounded in the attack.
Eight others were convicted of supporting the attack, with charges such as rioting and carrying explosives.
The Justice Department hailed the verdicts as a major takedown for antifa.
“Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Today’s verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles antifa and finally halts their violence on America’s streets.”
Mr. Trump declared antifa as a domestic terrorist organization last fall, citing general anti-government beliefs held in common by adherents. Some experts have questioned the designation, saying antifa is a broad attitude, not an organization.
The attack on July 4 targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Prairieland Detention Center, where migrants are held as they await deportation.
The group shot fireworks at the facility and then, when local police responded, opened fire with rifles. Lt. Thomas Gross of the Alvarado Police Department was shot in the neck.
He testified that Song shouted “get to the rifles” before the shots came.
Some of those involved had said they thought they were attending a “noise demonstration” meant to show solidarity with migrants and to protest ICE.
Federal authorities said what occurred was far from that.
“Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from some peaceful protest or First Amendment expression,” said Ryan Raybould, the U.S. attorney in northern Texas.
In addition to Song, the others convicted were Cameron Arnold, also known as Autumn Hill; Zachary Evetts; Savanna Batten; Bradford Morris, also known as Meagan Morris; Maricela Rueda; Elizabeth Soto; Ines Soto; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada.
Seven others pled guilty last year to charges of providing material support to terrorists.
