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Texas Jury Convicts Nine in Prairieland ICE Protest Case on Terrorism-Related Charges

Sentencing is scheduled for June.

Overview

  • Benjamin Hanil Song was found guilty of attempting to murder Lt. Thomas Gross, who was shot in the neck, and now faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years up to life in prison.
  • Eight co-defendants were convicted on counts including providing material support, rioting, and explosives offenses, with statutory exposure generally ranging from 10 to 60 years.
  • Prosecutors argued the group used fireworks and vandalism to draw police before Song opened fire, while defense teams said most participants intended a protest and did not know of any plan to shoot.
  • Jurors weighed evidence that included encrypted Signal messages, surveillance and body‑camera video, seized weapons and fireworks, and cooperator testimony, as the DOJ characterized seized pamphlets and zines as Antifa‑linked materials.
  • Five additional people have been charged with aiding and abetting in the broader case, bringing the total charged to 19 as appeals are expected after the verdicts.