ANTIFA Leader Sentenced to 100 Years For Terrorist Attack on Detention Center
NORTH TEXAS — Eight individuals convicted in last year’s violent attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado have been sentenced to a combined 450 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. The sentencings come just days before the one‑year anniversary of the July 4, 2025 incident, which prosecutors described as a coordinated assault carried out by members of a North Texas Antifa cell.
The longest sentence—100 years—was imposed on Benjamin Hanil Song, whom prosecutors identified as the group’s leader. Song was convicted of attempted murder for shooting an Alvarado police officer in the neck during the attack. According to the press release, “Song can be heard on police bodycam video yelling, ‘get to the rifles!’ and then he opened fire on the officers,” a line included in the government’s evidence.
Seven additional defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years:
- Maricela Rueda — 70 years
- Cameron Arnold — 50 years
- Savanna Batten — 50 years
- Zachary Evetts — 50 years
- Bradford Morris — 50 years
- Elizabeth Soto — 50 years
- Daniel Rolando Sanchez‑Estrada — 30 years
All eight were convicted at trial earlier this year on charges that included rioting, weapons offenses, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and attempted murder.
According to trial testimony cited in the press release, the defendants—described as members of a local Antifa cell—arrived at the detention facility late on July 4 dressed in “black bloc” clothing and carrying firearms, fireworks, and body armor. Evidence presented to jurors included DNA and fingerprint matches on gear recovered at the scene, encrypted group chats discussing planning and reconnaissance, and testimony from correctional officers, responding police, and cooperating co‑defendants.
Prosecutors said the group launched fireworks and explosives at the facility, vandalized property, and opened fire when police arrived. The officer who was shot survived.
The government also presented evidence that the group had acquired more than 50 firearms in the months leading up to the attack and used encrypted messaging apps with auto‑delete functions to coordinate.
Federal officials framed the sentences as a significant step in addressing violent extremism. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the outcome “make[s] clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice,” according to the release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould called the attack “a far cry from a peaceful protest or First Amendment expression,” adding that the sentences “justly punish the vicious, armed attack” carried out that night.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the case reflects the bureau’s continued efforts to “identify, locate, and dismantle Antifa and its funding networks across the country.”
Seven other individuals—Seth Sikes, Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas—pleaded guilty before trial to providing material support to terrorists. They face up to 15 years in federal prison and are scheduled to be sentenced July 1.
One additional defendant, Ines Soto, was convicted at trial but granted a continuance and will also be sentenced July 1.
The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman and Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor. Judge Pittman noted during sentencing that “it’s by the grace of God that Song is not dead,” referencing the officer’s return fire striking Song’s rifle rather than his body. Judge O’Connor described the attack as “an assault on Democracy.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Alvarado Police Department, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
All suspects awaiting trial are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
