Ten suspects charged with attempting to murder federal officers at the Prairieland Detention Center have deep ties to radical activism and protest-related arrests spanning nearly a decade.
According to Fox News, several members of the group accused in the July 4 attack have extensive histories of participating in left-wing demonstrations, with multiple prior arrests for protest activities.
The suspects' backgrounds reveal a pattern of escalating militant activism, from participation in Occupy Wall Street to involvement with armed leftist organizations. Their activities demonstrate an increasing willingness to engage in violent confrontations with law enforcement.
History of Radical Activities Emerges
Ines Soto, now 40, was previously arrested during a 2016 protest against white nationalist Richard Spencer at Texas A&M University. The arrest occurred when Soto allegedly resisted and attempted to evade detention during the demonstration.
Savanna Batten's activism dates back to 2011 when she was arrested during an Occupy Dallas demonstration at Chase Bank. Her charges were later dismissed after she completed 24 hours of community service.
Benjamin Song, a former Marine Corps reservist recently captured by the FBI, was named in a 2023 lawsuit regarding a counter-protest at a drag brunch. He maintained connections to the Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club, a pro-arms leftist organization, while also facing a 2020 arrest for allegedly assaulting a public servant during an Austin protest.
Violent Attack Details Surface
The Independence Day assault involved multiple attackers firing AR-15-style rifles at correctional officers and local police. A local officer sustained injuries after being shot in the neck by a suspect hiding in nearby woods.
The attackers left clear evidence of their political motivations at the scene of the assault. They vandalized vehicles with anti-ICE messages and scattered anti-government literature throughout the area.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson made the government's position clear regarding the attack. She emphasized that this was "not a peaceful protest" but rather "an ambush on federal and local law enforcement officers."
Social Media Reveals Extremist Views
Song's social media accounts displayed increasingly radical positions over time. His posts included calls for abolishing police and evidence of tactical training activities.
The former Marine reservist allegedly utilized his family's martial arts studio for combat preparation. Investigators discovered he had been conducting tactical exercises at the facility leading up to the attack.
The scene contained multiple pieces of evidence pointing to organized extremist activity. Among the items recovered were anti-government literature and a flag declaring "Fight Fascism, Fight Oligarchy."
Investigation Moves Forward
Federal prosecutors have filed serious charges against all ten suspects involved in the coordinated assault. The charges include attempted murder of federal officers and multiple weapons violations.
Law enforcement officials express growing concern about the rising trend of violence against federal agents. The Justice Department has promised to pursue maximum penalties under federal law for attacks on law enforcement.
The case highlights an alarming pattern of escalating militant activism in Texas. Authorities continue gathering evidence while warning that similar attacks will face swift and severe prosecution.
