FORT WORTH, TX – A federal judge has sentenced a former U.S. Marine reservist to 100 years in prison, while seven other individuals received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years, following a shooting that wounded a police officer during a demonstration last year.
Maximum Penalty for Former Marine
Benjamin Song, the former Marine reservist convicted of opening fire during the July 4 demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, received the maximum sentence of 100 years.
According to federal prosecutors, Song opened fire as a police officer arrived at the scene, leading to terrorism-related charges for almost all defendants involved. Song’s attorney has already confirmed plans to appeal the sentence, arguing that there was no planned ambush.
Terrorism Charges and Stiff Sentences
The remaining seven defendants were sentenced in Fort Worth courtrooms to heavy prison terms:
- Autumn Hill & Savanna Batten: Sentenced to 50 years each. Attorneys argued there was no evidence they carried firearms or participated in the planning.
- Daniel Sanchez Estrada: Sentenced to 30 years for concealing documents after the incident.
- Other Defendants: Received terms up to 70 years.
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor stated during the proceedings that the incident was not a protest but “an assault on democracy,” emphasizing a strong need for deterrence.
The Antifa Connection Dispute
The Justice Department stated this marks the first major sentencing of individuals linked to the leftist militant group antifa following a federal executive order designating it as a domestic terrorist organization. Prosecutors cited the group’s possession of firearms, body armor, and medical kits as evidence of intent.
In contrast, defense attorneys and family members strongly denied any official antifa ties, expressing shock over the severity of the sentences. They maintained that the gathering was intended as a late-night demonstration with fireworks to show solidarity with immigrants, and that weapons were brought solely for self-defense.
