Urgent: DOJ Indicts Two in Antifa-Linked July 4 Attack

UPDATE: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has just announced a significant indictment against two individuals linked to an alleged “antifa cell” accused of a violent attack on an ICE facility in Texas. Zachary Evetts and Cameron Arnold face serious charges, including attempted murder of federal officers, stemming from the July 4, 2023 incident at the ICE Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.

The indictment, unveiled on Thursday, characterizes “antifa” as a “militant enterprise,” raising alarms among legal experts. Former DOJ anti-terrorism lawyer Thomas E. Brzozowski expressed deep concern over this classification, highlighting its implications for civil liberties and the broad scope it grants federal authorities to investigate various individuals and organizations.

According to the indictment, Evetts and Arnold allegedly provided material support to terrorists and discharged firearms during a violent confrontation with law enforcement. The government claims that since Donald Trump‘s return to office, there has been a rise in attacks targeting DHS agents and facilities, particularly in opposition to ICE’s deportation policies.

In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling antifa as a “left-wing terrorist organization” and asserting that they will be prosecuted as such. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, assuring that under Trump’s leadership, over 20 arrests have been made, and no one will harm law enforcement “on my watch.”

The indictment details a chaotic scene on July 4, where one member of the so-called “antifa cell,” identified as Benjamin Hanil Song, allegedly opened fire on responding police officers, injuring one. Song is separately charged with attempted murder but is not officially named as a defendant in this indictment. Allegations suggest he trained members of the group in firearms and combat tactics.

Defense attorney Patrick McLain, representing Evetts, claims his client believed he was attending a protest and did not carry a firearm. “Mr. Evetts was going to protest and shoot fireworks on the night of the 4th of July,” McLain stated, emphasizing the distinction from violent intentions.

The legal ramifications are significant, with the indictment invoking a statute that carries a potential 15-year prison sentence. Brzozowski pointed out that while he does not contest the charges against Evetts and Arnold based on their alleged actions, he questions the broad association of individuals with antifa ideology. He warned of the vagueness in defining who constitutes an “antifa adherent,” suggesting that this could lead to unjust targeting of peaceful protesters.

This indictment marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over domestic terrorism and civil liberties, particularly as it relates to political beliefs. The implications for individuals involved in protests against government policies could be profound, with Brzozowski cautioning that even non-violent participants could find themselves swept into a federal investigation.

As the situation develops, the legal community and civil rights advocates are closely monitoring the DOJ’s actions, raising concerns about the potential for a broader crackdown on dissenters. The national discourse surrounding antifa and its classification as a militant group is likely to intensify in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.