logo
Federal authorities charge pair who allegedly helped ICE facility attacker escape after shooting

Federal authorities charge pair who allegedly helped ICE facility attacker escape after shooting

Fox News15-07-2025
Federal authorities have charged two individuals in connection with a targeted attack on a Texas ICE detention facility earlier this month that left one officer injured as the final suspect remains on the run.
John Phillip Thomas and Lynette Read Sharp are charged with alleged accessory after the fact in the July 4 shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, according to court documents.
"[Sharp and Thomas] were involved in Signal Chats, which show reconnaissance," Nancy Larson, the acting U.S. Attorney, told "Fox and Friends" on Tuesday, adding the pair are accused of "planning a Google map [and] the location of nearby police departments."
Authorities are still searching for alleged attacker Benjamin Hanil Song. Song, 32, is wanted for his involvement in what officials say was an organized attack on ICE officials by a group of 10 to 12 individuals.
Four days after the attack, authorities executed a search warrant at Thomas' home in Dallas, with Thomas initially denying knowing Song before admitting the pair had been friends since 2022 and previously lived together from September 2024 to late June 2025, according to court documents.
Thomas allegedly told investigators he was housesitting for a friend on the day of the attack and met with three individuals the following day, later telling officials the group discussed the shooting and their plans to help Song flee the area. Court documents state Thomas then admitted to transporting Song to a separate home in the area.
Upon searching Thomas' vehicle, officers discovered a loaded 30-round AR-15 magazine and a Walmart receipt for clothing in Song's size dated July 6, according to federal prosecutors.
Thomas allegedly told authorities he purchased the clothing for Song.
The documents also reveal Thomas was a member of two separate Signal Chat groups that also included Song, with Thomas allegedly removing Song from one of the chats the morning after the shooting.
The group chats were also allegedly used by Sharp, in which she is accused of discussing the group's plans to partake in an operation at the Prairieland Detention Center, but divulged that she would not be able to attend due to "family problems" and offered to monitor the chat for the group.
The court documents also reveal Sharp allegedly used the online chat to help arrange Song's transport from Thomas to another unnamed individual.
Authorities have arrested 14 people for their alleged connections to the attack, while Song remains at large.
Fox News Digital was unable to immediately locate attorneys representing Thomas and Sharp.
"We believe he is somewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but have expanded our publicity efforts to neighboring states just in case," the FBI Dallas Field Office told Fox News Digital on Monday.
Song is accused of firing two AR-15-style rifles at a pair of correctional officers and an Alvarado police officer, according to a criminal complaint. He faces three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Song's arrest and conviction, with authorities noting the former U.S. Marine Corps reservist should be considered armed and dangerous.
"These latest two charges show the walls are closing in on [Song]," Larson said, adding, "he is running out of people to go to."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Cruel and absolutely unacceptable:' Viral fight video airs as city pushes to curb crime
'Cruel and absolutely unacceptable:' Viral fight video airs as city pushes to curb crime

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

'Cruel and absolutely unacceptable:' Viral fight video airs as city pushes to curb crime

This story has been updated with comments from Councilman Jeffreys and state Rep. Thomas. A video of a fight involving multiple people in Downtown Cincinnati is going viral amid ongoing debates about crime in the urban core. Signal 99, a Facebook page which calls itself "a Spicy meme page for Cops, Firefighters, Medics and Dispatchers" shared the video the morning of July 26. It went on to get traction on multiple platforms, and additional angles of the incident have also been shared. The post claims the fight took place at the corner of Fourth and Elm streets late Friday. The Cincinnati Music Festival brought thousands of people Downtown. Mayoral candidate and JD Vance's half-brother Cory Bowman reposted the video later in the day, using it as a vehicle to argue that the current administration is not addressing crime properly. The Enquirer texted Mayor Aftab Pureval's spokesman for comment, but has not received a response. Cincinnati police spokesman Jonathan Cunningham said the situation is under investigation. No details about whether anyone was hospitalized or arrested have been released. Chief Teresa Theetge issued a statement just after 6 p.m. "I am in complete disgust waking up to the viral video many of you have now seen. The behavior displayed is nothing short of cruel and absolutely unacceptable," Theetge said. "Our investigative team is working diligently to identify every individual involved in causing harm." She said the fight was not connected to the Cincinnati Music Festival. "This was a sudden dispute between individuals following a verbal altercation," Theetge said. The chief is asking anyone with information about the incident to call CrimeStoppers at 513-352-3040. The Enquirer has reached out to several businesses in the vicinity. At 6 p.m. on July 26, none had responded to phone messages or had agreed to speak in person. Cincinnati city councilman Mark Jeffreys described the video of the fight as "incredibly disturbing and horrific," as well as "downright inhumane." He added that he's spoken with other city officials and police to work on "finding the individuals responsible and arresting them urgently." "This behavior cannot stand and will not represent our city," Jeffreys said. "Those responsible must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas said in a statement to Enquirer media partner Fox19 that he is 'totally embarrassed to see such behavior.' Thomas goes on to say that, with visitors from around the country, this sort of violence is 'unacceptable.' Crime in Cincinnati According to Cincinnati police data released on July 21, the central business district and riverfront area of Downtown has seen a 25% increase in violent crime compared to last year. The data shows there have been 21 aggravated assaults between Jan. 1 and July 21 this year, compared to 16 during the same period in 2024. Property crime has also increased by about 57% year over year. Theetge has announced a series of initiatives aimed at curbing crime, including a roving task force and more visible patrols. She has been giving updates about crime statistics in press conferences nearly every week. The Enquirer will update this story with more information when it becomes available. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Downtown fight goes viral amid push to curb crime

Couple slain while hiking with daughters in Arkansas state park, police say
Couple slain while hiking with daughters in Arkansas state park, police say

NBC News

time7 hours ago

  • NBC News

Couple slain while hiking with daughters in Arkansas state park, police say

A man and woman who had recently moved to northwest Arkansas were apparently killed as they hiked in a state park with their school-age daughters, authorities said Sunday. The victims were identified by Arkansas State Police as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. The agency said in a statement the couple had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from out of state. Facebook pages for each, verified by NBC News, say that they have lived in inland California and eastern Montana. Public records place them in Miles City, Montana. State police said the agency was notified of the double homicide in Devil's Den State Park shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday. The park is about 12 miles east of Prairie Grove and about 25 miles south of Fayetteville. "We are heartbroken by today's horrific news from Devil's Den State Park and are in close contact with State Police and the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism as they work to apprehend the suspect," Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on X on Saturday evening. She said "law enforcement will not rest" until the killer is found and prosecuted. The victims' daughters, ages 7 and 9, were not harmed and were in the custody of family, the agency said Sunday. It's not clear whether they witnessed the homicides. A manhunt led by Arkansas State Police is underway. An FBI representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. State police said the killer is a man with a medium build who was wearing a dark, long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark baseball cap, and fingerless gloves. He may have been seen driving toward a park exit in a black sedan, possibly a Mazda, with tape obscuring its license plate number, state police said. Investigators believe the man may have driven on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 nearby. There was no information available on the type of weapon used or a motive. The Arkansas State Crime Lab will confirm the manner and cause of death, state police said. Detectives hope cellphone and security video can help them crack the case. They called for anyone at the park Saturday with cellphone or GoPro-style imagery to step forward. The area of the park where the homicides took place was off-limits Sunday as the investigation continues, state police said. The couple's bodies were found on a walking trail, the agency said. It described the area as "remote and rural," a region "where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service." A state parks spokesperson said all trails at Devil's Den were off-limits until further notice. Last month, a dedication was staged for a newly renovated campground at the park. Arkansas State Parks describes Devil's Den as "a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians."

Fans in England celebrate Women's Euro 2025 final win
Fans in England celebrate Women's Euro 2025 final win

CNN

time7 hours ago

  • CNN

Fans in England celebrate Women's Euro 2025 final win

Fans in England celebrate Women's Euro 2025 final win Fans celebrate in London as England has been crowned champion of Europe for the second successive time after defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Women's Euro 2025 final. 00:28 - Source: CNN Friend describes pastor's ICE detention CNN's Victor Blackwell speaks to the family friend of a detained pastor, Daniel Fuentes Espinal. Espinal, who fled Honduras 24 years ago to escape poverty and violence, is waiting to hear when he will face an immigration judge after his arrest this week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 01:55 - Source: CNN Farmworkers in constant fear amid ICE raids Facing constant threats of deportation, undocumented farmworkers in California must decide whether to show up to work the busy harvest season or stay safe from ICE. CNN's Julia Vargas Jones heads to Ventura County where she speaks to worried farmers and their increasingly fearful laborers. 02:13 - Source: CNN Trump rails against windmills again President Donald Trump urged European leaders to 'stop the windmills' when reporters asked him questions at the airport in Glasgow, Scotland. This isn't the first time in recent memory that the president has directed his ire at the renewable energy source. 01:00 - Source: CNN Investigators share details of how hard Xana Kernodle fought Kohberger CNN's Jean Casarez asked two top law enforcement officials in Moscow, Idaho about Xana Kernodle's fight against Bryan Kohberger, with over 50 reported stab wounds. Officials shared that Kernodle, who was up at the time, "fought hard" for her life as Kohberger attacked her. 00:49 - Source: CNN Investigators reveal findings from Kohberger's phone CNN's Jean Casarez sat down with Idaho State Police lead investigator on the Bryan Kohberger case, Lt. Darren Gilbertson, who shared details about what was found on Kohberger's phone during the investigation. Gilbertson sheds light on the Kohberger investigation, including how police found screenshots and pictures of news coverage of the attack on Kohberger's phone. 02:07 - Source: CNN Why are Thailand and Cambodia fighting? Tensions are rising between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute that dates back to 1907. CNN's Will Ripley explains how the conflict has escalated. 01:32 - Source: CNN CNN reports from Gaza aid crossing CNN's Nic Robertson is on the scene at the Kerem Shalom border crossing as aid agencies warn of rampant hunger caused by Israel's blockade of Gaza. Gaza's health ministry said on Tuesday that 900,000 children are going hungry, and 70,000 already show signs of malnutrition. Israel denies it is at fault and accuses Hamas of 'engineering' food shortages. 01:39 - Source: CNN Almost 50 missing as plane crashes in Russia Dozens of civilians are feared dead, including children, after a Soviet era passenger jet crashed in Russia's far east Amur Region. Burning wreckage was discovered by rescuers just 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Tynda airport, the plane's destination. 00:30 - Source: CNN Erin Burnett on the significance of Trump knowing he's in the Epstein files CNN's Erin Burnett explains how reports that President Trump was briefed that he is named in the Epstein files shine a light on his recent denials of that exact claim. 02:13 - Source: CNN Judge declines to release Epstein grand jury documents A Florida federal judge declined to release additional grand jury documents from the criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first roadblock in the Justice Department's efforts to quell the public backlash over the handling of the case. CNN's Evan Perez reports. 02:43 - Source: CNN Bryan Kohberger sentenced to life in prison Bryan Kohberger has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murders of four University of Idaho students. 01:29 - Source: CNN Fans pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Fans have gathered in Ozzy Osbourne's hometown to pay tribute to the former Black Sabbath singer, who died yesterday at the age of 76. One of them told CNN's Salma Abdelaziz that Osbourne will 'live on forever in his music.' 01:07 - Source: CNN Hot Chinese brands are coming to America Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee, Pop Mart, and HEYTEA are expanding in the United States, despite the ongoing trade war. CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich and Marc Stewart report from two different continents on why the companies covet American customers. 02:10 - Source: CNN Metal legend Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76-years-old Ozzy Osbourne, the hellraising frontman of Black Sabbath and reality TV star, has died aged 76. CNN's Stephanie Elam looks back at the legendary career as the Godfather of Heavy Metal. 03:05 - Source: CNN Newly uncovered photos show Jeffrey Epstein attended Trump's wedding in 1993 Photos from Trump's 1993 wedding and video footage from 1999 Victoria's Secret fashion show shed light on Trump-Epstein relationship. CNN's Andrew Kaczynski has the story. 01:31 - Source: CNN Missing child case from 46 years ago reopened A federal appeals court overturned the verdict of Pedro Hernandez, the bodega worker who was found guilty in 2017 of kidnapping and murdering Etan Patz in 1979. Patz was 6 years old when he disappeared on the first day he was allowed to walk alone to his school bus stop in New York City. 01:50 - Source: CNN US citizen among Druze executed in Syria Hosam Saraya, a 35-year-old Syrian-American from Oklahoma, was among eight men, all family members, rounded up and killed in an execution-style attack amid an outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria this month. The violence flared between Syrian Druze groups and Bedouin tribes in the Druze-majority Suwayda province. Video geolocated by CNN shows a group of men, Saraya included, being marched to their death. 02:04 - Source: CNN Epstein's brother vividly details relationship between Trump and Epstein Jeffrey Epstein's brother, Mark, tells CNN's Erin Burnett about his brother's 'very close' friendship with Donald Trump in the 1990s. 02:01 - Source: CNN Stephen Colbert addresses 'The Late Show' cancellation 'Cancel culture has gone too far,' Stephen Colbert told the audience as he began his first post-cancellation episode of 'The Late Show.' The host went on to fire back at Trump's Truth Social post celebrating the announcement by CBS. The episode also featured cameos by late night talk show hosts including Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, John Oliver and Seth Meyers. 01:24 - Source: CNN Fire tornado rips through Turkish forest Turkey's forestry ministry has released video of a fire tornado tearing through the country's woodland. Hundreds of wildfires have gripped Turkey this summer, as well as Greece and other Mediterranean countries. 00:33 - Source: CNN Breonna Taylor's mother speaks out on officer's sentencing CNN's Laura Coates speaks with Tamika Palmer, Breonna Taylor's mother, about the sentencing of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison. He was given three years in prison for using excessive force during the deadly 2020 Breonna Taylor raid. 01:45 - Source: CNN

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store