Image provided by the United States Attorney's Office Northern District of Texas
ALVARADO, Texas — Ten individuals have been charged in connection with a coordinated attack on the Prairieland Detention Center that left an Alvarado police officer shot and several federal agents under fire, federal authorities announced Wednesday.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the Northern District of Texas, the suspects, dressed in black, military-style gear, launched the assault by igniting fireworks outside the detention facility.
The group then escalated the incident by spraying graffiti on vehicles and a guard post before opening fire on responding law enforcement and correctional officers.
When a police officer from the Alvarado Police Department arrived at the scene following a 911 call from detention staff, one alleged assailant hidden in nearby woods shot the officer in the neck, investigators said.
Another shooter reportedly fired 20 to 30 rounds across the street at unarmed correctional officers who had exited the building.
Federal officials said AR-style rifles were recovered at the scene, and suspects were found carrying firearms, two-way radios, and wearing body armor.
Twelve sets of body armor were seized from vehicles and individuals associated with the incident.
Some suspects were also found in possession of protest materials, including spray paint, political flyers reading “FIGHT ICE TERROR WITH CLASS WAR!†and “FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS,†and a flag with the message “RESIST FASCISM – FIGHT OLIGARCHY.â€
In one vehicle, agents discovered a “Faraday bag,†a signal-blocking device often used to shield phones from location tracking.
“This was a violent, calculated attack that could have easily claimed the lives of federal officers and local police,†said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “We will not tolerate this kind of assault on law enforcement.â€
The ten individuals charged in the complaint include:
- Cameron Arnold
- Savannah Batten
- Nathan Baumann
- Zachary Evetts
- Joy Gibson
- Bradford Morris
- Maricela Rueda
- Seth Sikes
- Elizabeth Soto
- Ines Soto
Each faces three counts of attempted murder of federal officers and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
“Make no mistake, this was not a peaceful protest,†said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “This was an ambush on federal and local law enforcement officers. This increasing trend of violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Texas.  Those who use violence against law enforcement officers will be found and prosecuted using the toughest criminal statutes and penalties available.â€
Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI’s Dallas Division and Joshua Johnson, Acting Field Office Director for Enforcement Removal Operations in Dallas, joined Larson in announcing the charges.
Authorities said all ten suspects were apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene and remain in custody as the investigation continues.
The wounded officer, whose name has not been released, is recovering and in stable condition, according to officials.
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