FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Seven people were sentenced to prison Wednesday on federal terrorism charges over a shooting at a protest outside a Texas immigration detention center, a week after eight others involved were sentenced to decades behind bars.
All but one of those sentenced in Fort Worth on Wednesday had pleaded guilty to charges related to the July 4 shooting outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas. The sentences ranged from nearly
two to 15 years in prison.
Eight others who were convicted at trial last week were handed lengthy sentences, including a former Marine reservist who received a 100-year prison term.
Prosecutors said the group’s actions — including bringing firearms, first aid kits and wearing body armor — signaled nefarious intent, and U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman — one of two justices presiding over the sentencings — noted Wednesday that the center is located in a residential neighborhood.
“This could have been an absolute slaughter,” Pittman said.
The U.S. Justice Department alleges the shooting was carried out by members of antifa — a claim attorneys for the defendants have denied. Antifa is an umbrella term for far-left militant groups that confront or resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations.
The protesters’ attorneys insisted their clients did not plan an ambush and that those who took firearms to the demonstration did so for their own protection. They argued the gathering was planned as a late-night demonstration with fireworks to show support for immigrants detained inside the facility.
Benjamin Song, the former U.S. Marine reservist who was convicted of attempted murder and other charges in the shooting, was sentenced to 100 years in prison, and seven others received prison terms ranging from 30 to 70 years. Some of them, including Song, have filed notices of appeal.
Those convicted at trial had faced various charges, with all but one charged with providing material support to terrorists.
The six defendants sentenced Wednesday who did not stand trial had pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists. Some of them were at the protest that night while others were accused of helping Song avoid arrest after the shooting.
Nathan Baumann was sentenced to almost two years in prison Wednesday after apologizing in court for vandalizing vehicles at Prairieland.
“There is no justification for what I did,” Baumann said.
John Thomas, who was sentenced to nine years in prison, was not at the July 4 protest but was among those accused of helping Song evade arrest by moving him from location to location and providing him with clothes, according to a court document.
“I am so very sorry I ever got involved,” Thomas told the judge
Another person who was convicted at trial was among those sentenced Wednesday. Ines Soto was sentenced to 50 years in prison for providing material support to terrorists, riot and explosives charges.
The case has been closely watched by critics who say the prosecution could have serious implications for protesters nationwide and First Amendment free-speech rights.
One remaining person who pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists is set to be sentenced on Monday. According to a court document, she was among those who helped Song evade arrest.
