Trial Begins for Group Accused of Antifa Links in Texas Detention Center Shooting

Prosecutors claim the shooting was carried out by antifa members, while defense lawyers say the accused were peaceful demonstrators.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have opened a closely watched trial, alleging that a group of nine people with links to antifa carried out a shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center last year. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, with their lawyers arguing they were simply taking part in a 'noise demonstration' to show support for immigrants inside the center, and were not members of antifa.

Why it matters

The trial is seen as a test case for the Trump administration's efforts to designate antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The charges of providing material support to terrorists represent the first time such a charge has been used against people alleged to be antifa members.

The details

According to the indictment, a group of people clad in black and wearing masks, some carrying firearms and wearing body armor, shot fireworks toward the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas and vandalized vehicles and a guard shed. When police responded, one person allegedly yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire, striking an officer in the neck. Prosecutors claim several defendants are also charged with attempted murder of a law officer and discharging a firearm because it was foreseeable that could happen.

  • The incident occurred on July 4, 2025.
  • The trial began on February 25, 2026.

The players

Shawn Smith

The prosecutor in the case.

Benjamin Song

One of the defendants, accused of opening fire on the officer.

Alvarado police Lt. Thomas Gross

The police officer who was shot in the neck while responding to the incident.

Savanna Batten

One of the defendants, represented by attorney Chris Tolbert, who claims she is not a member of antifa and was just part of a 'book club'.

Autumn Hill

One of the defendants, represented by attorney James Luster, who left before police arrived according to her lawyer.

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What they’re saying

“Make no mistake, there's nothing peaceful about what happened on July Fourth.”

— Shawn Smith, Prosecutor (wfmj.com)

“She's not a member of antifa, she's not providing material support to terrorists.”

— Chris Tolbert, Attorney representing Savanna Batten (wfmj.com)

“It was never supposed to come to this.”

— James Luster, Attorney representing Autumn Hill (wfmj.com)

What’s next

The trial is expected to last upward of three weeks, and several defendants face up to life in prison if convicted.

The takeaway

This high-profile trial will test the Trump administration's efforts to designate antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, with prosecutors seeking to punish the accused as members of a violent extremist group, while defense lawyers argue their clients were simply engaged in political protest.