Jimmy Friesenhahn, a 44-year-old Marine combat veteran, is fighting for his life after being shot while working security at a San Antonio bar. The incident occurred when Friesenhahn attempted to disarm an illegal immigrant who had entered the establishment with a concealed weapon.
According to Breitbart, police arrested 29-year-old Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz, who entered the U.S. illegally, for the shooting that took place at El Patio Sports Bar on May 4. The suspect allegedly shot Friesenhahn multiple times during a struggle.
The Marine suffered gunshot wounds to his ballistic vest and a critical injury to his neck, resulting in paralysis and loss of speech. In the month since the attack, Friesenhahn has undergone six surgeries. The Iraq war veteran is also the father of a five-month-old daughter.
Controversial criminal history emerges
Ortega Ruiz reportedly had multiple prior encounters with law enforcement before the shooting incident. His record shows a pattern of arrests followed by releases and failures to appear in court.
The Bexar County District Attorney's Office faces criticism from Friesenhahn's family, who claim the office has been "soft-peddling the charges" against Ortega Ruiz. Reports indicate that despite four previous arrests, the suspect had been allowed to walk free repeatedly.
Court records show Ortega Ruiz was first arrested for DWI in October 2020, which was later downgraded to obstructing a passageway. He violated probation terms and was arrested again in August 2023, posting a $1,500 bond before failing to appear in court. Two more arrests followed in September 2023 and November 2024, with similar patterns of release.
Immigration and weapons violations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed an immigration hold on Ortega Ruiz following the shooting. The hold comes after his history of missed court appearances and multiple arrests raised significant concerns.
As an illegal immigrant, Ortega Ruiz was prohibited by law from possessing firearms. Texas law also explicitly forbids carrying weapons into establishments that serve alcohol, making his armed presence at the bar a violation of multiple statutes.
Emmanuel Martinez, Friesenhahn's brother-in-law, suggested the Marine's actions may have prevented a more serious incident. "Jimmy's sacrifice saved people because there's stories that the guy was going to go inside and do something in that place," Martinez told reporters.
Support for wounded veteran
The shooting has left Friesenhahn with devastating injuries that have dramatically altered his life. The spinal cord damage has resulted in paralysis and inability to speak, creating significant medical challenges.
Friesenhahn served 14 years in the Marine Corps, including combat deployment to Iraq. His military background and training likely informed his response when encountering an armed individual attempting to enter the bar where he worked security.
The family has established a GoFundMe page to help cover mounting medical expenses and support his recovery process. The fundraiser aims to assist with costs that have accumulated during his month-long hospitalization and multiple surgical procedures.
Marine's heroic intervention
The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of May 4 when Friesenhahn attempted to search Ortega Ruiz as he entered El Patio Sports Bar. During the search, the Marine allegedly discovered a handgun in the suspect's pocket.
A struggle ensued between the two men, resulting in Friesenhahn being shot multiple times. Two bullets struck his protective vest, while a third hit his neck, causing the critical injury that has left him paralyzed and unable to communicate verbally.
The case has drawn attention to both immigration enforcement issues and firearm regulations. Ortega Ruiz's presence with a weapon violated both his status as an illegal immigrant and Texas laws prohibiting firearms in establishments serving alcohol. The Marine's intervention potentially prevented the suspect from carrying out further violence inside the crowded venue.
