Backlash Against Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Comments on Antifa Sentencing
Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, faced significant criticism after seemingly defending a member of Antifa who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for violent actions against a Texas immigration facility, which federal prosecutors labeled as terrorism.
One of the individuals involved, Benjamin Song, a former Marine reservist, received a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison for his role in the death of Alvarado police Lt. Thomas Gross. He was found guilty of attempted murder.
Additionally, seven other individuals, said to be part of an Antifa group in North Texas, were handed down sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years for various crimes including providing support to terrorists, conspiracy to use weapons and explosives, and rioting.
Tlaib took to social media to express her disapproval, stating, “These sentences are farcical and completely unjust. Americans hate the fascist Trump administration, so the only way they’re going to hang on to power is by force.”
Furthermore, she condemned a 2025 document, National Security Presidential Memo 7, released by then-President Trump, which classified Antifa as a “domestic terrorist organization.”
She labeled NSPM-7 as a serious threat, expressing concern about the gravity of the “terrorism” charges looming over many.
These remarks drew sharp rebuke from conservatives who suggested that Tlaib was endorsing violent behavior from radical groups. Conservative columnist Kurt Schlichter pointedly noted, “Counterargument: Her friend shot the cop.”
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, responded, criticizing Tlaib for her support of those he labelled as “Antifa terrorists” who had allegedly attacked law enforcement officials.
Journalist Andy Ngo highlighted that the group was established as members of a terrorist organization and cited testimonies from five individuals who had turned against the group, revealing their organized actions motivated by Antifa ideology.
Evidence from the trial indicated that the defendants approached the facility on July 4, 2025, dressed in black and hiding their faces while armed and carrying military-style first aid kits. Prosecutors claimed they began damaging security equipment at the immigration detention center and igniting fireworks.
Alvarado police officer Gross responded to the emergency call made from within the facility during the attack. Footage from the incident captured Song shouting, “Get the rifle!” before he shot at Gross, wounding him in the shoulder and neck.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould stated that the defendants’ actions—encompassing terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, and the use of explosives—were far from protected forms of expression under the First Amendment. He affirmed the ongoing commitment to hold accountable those involved in such violence and the funding of Antifa in the region.
Defense lawyers for Song contended that Gross had fired in self-defense, describing their actions as “suppressing fire,” but the presiding judge, Mark Pittman, dismissed this assertion. Family members of those convicted argued that the sentences were excessively harsh and claimed there was no intention to cause harm.
A spokesperson for Tlaib did not provide a comment when approached for a response.
