UPDATE: Sixteen individuals, including nine alleged members of an Antifa cell, have been charged in connection with a violent attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4. The U.S. Justice Department announced this urgent development today, detailing charges that include attempted murder and conspiracy to use explosives against law enforcement.
Authorities report that the group targeted the federal immigration facility housing undocumented immigrants. Among those indicted are Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, and Benjamin Song, who is described as the cell’s leader. The 12-count indictment also includes charges of rioting with intent to commit violence and providing material support to terrorists.
Federal prosecutors assert that this case marks a significant escalation in how the government combats Antifa. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Antifa is a terrorist organization and today’s guilty pleas—stemming from violent assaults against law enforcement—mark a turning point.”
During the attack, eleven suspects donned “black bloc” attire, obscuring their identities as they hurled fireworks and opened fire on the facility. Prosecutors say Benjamin Song shouted commands before firing and injuring an Alvarado police officer. The officer was unarmed and seeking cover as the chaos unfolded.
The group allegedly prepared extensively, obtaining over 50 firearms in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and utilizing encrypted messaging apps for planning. Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson emphasized, “This is the first indictment in the country against a group of violent Antifa cell members.”
Seven additional individuals, including Nathan Baumann and Joy Gibson, face separate charges for providing material support to terrorism. Another defendant, Seth Sikes, had already been charged previously.
FBI Director Kash Patel warned, “Anyone who targets law enforcement or uses violence to advance an anarchist agenda will face the full weight of the federal government.”
The nine indicted defendants are scheduled for arraignment in federal court on December 3. This urgent situation highlights a broader context of increasing tensions surrounding domestic terrorism and the government’s response under current leadership.
As these developments unfold, the implications for law enforcement and communities across the nation are profound. This case not only marks a pivotal moment in the fight against domestic terrorism but also raises critical concerns about safety and security in the face of escalating violence.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as it continues to develop.
