Veteran Charged in Shooting Incident at Texas Detention Facility

A military veteran is facing serious accusations following an ambush on officers at an ice detention facility in northern Texas earlier this month. Benjamin Hanil Song, a 32-year-old former Marine Reserve from Dallas, allegedly opened fire using two AR-15-style rifles during a chaotic incident on July 4 at the Alvarado Detention Center. He reportedly had the assistance of his former roommate, who was on vacation, and a new wardrobe from Walmart.

According to court documents, Song targeted immigrants and customs enforcement officers during the attack. He is also accused of procuring four additional firearms used by others involved in the incident.

The day after the ambush, Song’s roommate, John Thomas, supposedly met with three other individuals at a Days Inn Hotel in Cleburne. Reports indicate that Thomas later picked up Song, who might have been hiding in nearby woods until the evening of July 5.

Thomas, known by the nickname “Roy,” allegedly utilized a messaging app to facilitate Song’s escape to Dallas, where he returned home. Court documents also reveal that Lynette Sharp, who went by “Hippie” and “Sugar Dynamite,” coordinated with Thomas to relay information to others in their group. Sharp had previously claimed family issues prevented her from joining the group but still offered to monitor chats and send money.

Following the attack, the group chat admin removed Song, referred to as “Champagne,” from their conversation. Officers executed a search warrant at Thomas’ home on July 8. Initially, he denied knowing about Song, but later admitted he had been acquainted with him since 2022.

Police found an AR-15 magazine loaded with 30 rounds and receipts from a shopping trip that took place shortly after the shooting.

Both Thomas and Sharp face charges as accessories after the fact. Reports indicate that attackers wore military-style gear, including tactical vests, while firing at the facility and local police officers, as well as unarmed federal agents. Prosecutors allege that one of the attackers shot at detention center employees and that another suspect was hiding in the woods, targeting responding officers.

Officers later discovered spray-painted messages that read “Fight the horror of ICE in class wars!” and “Free all political prisoners.” The imagery from the scene captured an official vehicle marked with phrases like “traitor” and “ICE pig,” reflecting the confrontational nature of the incident.

Local attorney Nancy E. Larson commented on the situation, stating, “Undoubtedly, this was not a peaceful protest. This growing trend in violence against law enforcement is unacceptable in Northern Texas.”

Authorities initially apprehended ten suspects linked to the attack, including individuals facing multiple counts of attempted murder. One suspect’s spouse was arrested for allegedly helping conceal evidence at her request, reportedly directing her husband from prison to dispose of any incriminating materials.

In the aftermath of these events, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons expressed his appreciation to law enforcement for their actions in apprehending the suspect. He highlighted the disturbing rhetoric that surrounds these incidents and emphasized the necessity of holding those who threaten federal officials accountable.

Song now faces three counts of attempted murder of federal officers and three counts related to firearms used in connection with violent crime.