FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A former U.S. Marine reservist and seven others received lengthy prison sentences on Tuesday for their involvement in a shooting incident last year that injured a police officer during a demonstration at an immigration detention center in Texas. Prosecutors categorized the crime as an act of terrorism and alleged that the defendants had links to Antifa, a left-wing group frequently associated with protests. The lawyer representing the defendants refuted any ties to Antifa, and family members expressed their disbelief and frustration regarding the severity of the sentences.
Benjamin Song, the Marine reservist convicted of firing a gun during a July 4 demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, was sentenced to 100 years in prison, marking the maximum penalty. The other seven individuals convicted in the Fort Worth court received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years.
Lydia Koza, whose wife Autumn Hill was sentenced to 50 years, expressed her anger: “I’m furious. The government is trying to take away her life because she took part in a protest. No one died.” U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, who presided over the case, refuted claims that the event was merely a protest, declaring it an “attack on democracy.” Except for one defendant, all were found guilty of terrorism-related charges.
Judge O’Connor emphasized the urgent need to curtail such behavior, stating, “There is a strong need to stop this type of behavior.” This case has garnered attention beyond Texas, as critics argue it could have significant implications for protests and First Amendment rights. Notably, the Justice Department indicated that this is the first conviction linked to Antifa since the Trump administration labeled the group a domestic terrorist organization through an executive order last fall.
Prosecutors Connect Defendants to Antifa
President Trump enacted this order despite the absence of domestic equivalents on the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. Antifa is not a single entity but a collective term for various far-left groups that oppose neo-Nazism and white supremacy at demonstrations. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche asserted, “The sentences handed down today make it clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice.” During the trial, prosecutors argued that the group’s actions—including bringing firearms, first aid kits, and wearing bulletproof vests—indicated malicious intent.
Defense attorneys contended there was no premeditated ambush, arguing that participants who carried firearms did so solely for personal protection. They characterized the rally as a planned nighttime demonstration, featuring fireworks to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants, which has been a customary practice at Prairieland before the shooting. Prosecutors alleged that Song shouted, “Get the rifle!” before firing his weapon, injuring a police officer who had just arrived.
Defendants Deny Involvement in Violent Acts
Song’s attorney, Philip Hayes, disputed the label of extremist used to describe the protesters, indicating that Song plans to appeal the sentence. “This is a group of kids and young people with good intentions who want their voices heard,” Hayes remarked. “There was never an intention for anyone to be harmed.” Prosecutor Frank Gatto urged the judge to impose stiff penalties, asserting that individuals with such extremist ideologies warrant harsher sentences due to their belief that violence is justified.
Family members of the defendants pleaded for leniency. Autumn Hill described the event as more of a celebration than a protest, insisting that she and others did not anticipate any violence or destruction of property. Hill’s attorney, Cody Cofer, pointed out that there was no evidence she possessed a firearm and did not believe that violence was a valid means to enact change. Following the fireworks, Hill claimed participants were conscientious about cleaning up after themselves.
Defendant Savannah Batten’s attorney, Chris Tolbert, stressed that Batten did not bring weapons or participate actively in planning the demonstration. Both Hill and Batten were sentenced to 50 years in prison. Meanwhile, another defendant, Daniel Sanchez Estrada, was found guilty of concealing documents and was sentenced to 30 years, despite not being present at the scene during the shooting. His lawyer explained that Sanchez Estrada had merely moved a box containing personal belongings, which included artistic works and written material.
Other defendants previously entered guilty pleas to charges related to providing material support to terrorists without going to trial. Last week, federal prosecutors charged 15 individuals in Minnesota with impeding the government’s immigration policies, alleging they were Antifa members who conspired against federal authorities to hinder arrests and deportations, including through locking down government buildings and throwing objects at federal vehicles.
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Marcelo contributed reporting from New York. Additional reporting by Associated Press journalist Kendria LaFleur.
