Eight individuals with alleged ties to Antifa have received collective sentences totaling 450 years for their involvement in a riot outside an immigration detention center in Texas. The incident, which occurred on July 4th of last year, saw participants throwing fireworks, vandalizing property, and firing upon a law enforcement officer.
A former US Marine Corps reservist convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer was sentenced to 100 years in prison. The remaining seven defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that the group, identified as North Texas Antifa Cell operatives, initiated the confrontation by discharging fireworks at the facility in Prairieland, Texas, south of Dallas. Prosecutors reported that an officer was shot in the neck during the disturbance.
The eight were convicted on multiple charges, including rioting, using weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, and obstruction. Benjamin Hanil Song, identified as the group's alleged leader, also received a 100-year sentence. Prosecutors indicated he faced a minimum penalty of 20 years. Song's defense stated that he fired his weapon because he believed an officer was preparing to shoot a protester. His mother has disputed claims that he shot the officer, stating he did not intend to harm anyone.
In a statement, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the actions, stating, "The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice." A U.S. judge described the events as "an assault on democracy."