Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for Benjamin Hanil Song, a 32-year-old Dallas resident and former U.S. Marine Corps Reservist, in connection with a violent ambush at the Prairieland Detention Center, an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4. Song is identified as the 12th suspect in the coordinated attack that left an Alvarado police officer wounded.
The incident, described by officials as an “ambush,” unfolded around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Investigators believe a disturbance was intentionally created outside the facility to lure unarmed correctional officers into the open. As officers responded, a positioned gunman, identified as Song, allegedly opened fire with two AR-15-style rifles. The criminal complaint document obtained by FOX 4 News states that approximately 20 to 30 rounds were fired at the correctional officers. An Alvarado Police Department officer who responded to the scene was shot in the neck but is expected to recover from his injuries.
According to the criminal complaint, Song was positioned in nearby woods with two rifles, from where he and at least one other suspect allegedly opened fire on law enforcement agents. Both rifles found afterward in the woods were reportedly purchased by Song, with one allegedly fitted with a binary trigger, an aftermarket modification designed to double the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon. Song faces six charges, including three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Benjamin Hanil Song served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 2011 to 2016, receiving an other than honorable discharge. Following the July 4th attack, he is believed to have spent the night hiding in the woods near the facility. There was a possible sighting of Song on a DFW Airport camera on the Sunday after the attack. A Blue Alert, a statewide notification for violent criminals who pose an immediate threat to law enforcement, was issued for Song across Texas phones just before 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
The ambush involved a group of 10 to 12 individuals. While Song is the primary focus of the ongoing manhunt, ten other individuals have already been apprehended and are facing charges. These suspects, hailing from various North Texas cities including Fort Worth, Dallas, Kennedale, Waxahachie, and College Station, were reportedly dressed in military black, donned body armor, and some were even covered in mud, indicating a highly organized and premeditated assault. The arrested suspects include Cameron Arnold, Savanna Batten, Nathan Baumann, Zachary Evetts, Joy Gibson, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Seth Sikes, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto. All face charges, including attempted murder of an officer, with one co-conspirator also charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to conceal and destroy evidence. If convicted, these individuals could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
The swift and coordinated response of nearly 70 law enforcement officers to the scene was instrumental in containing the situation and leading to the prompt capture of the ten assailants. Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson commended the professionalism of state and local law enforcement, stating, “Though Song escaped the scene by hiding overnight, he will be relentlessly pursued until he is in custody.” FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized the danger Song poses, describing him as “armed and dangerous.” The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to Song’s arrest and conviction. The public is urged to contact law enforcement immediately if Song is seen, by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a digital tip to fbi.gov\prairieland.
