Texas ICE Facility Attack: Blue Alert Issued for Shooting Suspect
A Blue Alert has been activated in Texas following an "ambush" at the ICE detention facility in Alvarado on July 4. Authorities are searching for Benjamin Hanil Song, a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting that injured two correctional officers and an Alvarado police officer. Song, a former US Marine Corps Reservist, allegedly used AR-15-style rifles in the attack. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
What is a Blue Alert?
A Blue Alert is a public safety notification system similar to Amber and Silver Alerts. It's designed to quickly locate suspects who have seriously injured or killed law enforcement officers. The system utilizes broadcast and digital platforms to disseminate information to the public, encouraging tips that may aid in the arrest.
To initiate a Blue Alert, several conditions must be met:
- A law enforcement officer must have been killed or critically injured.
- The suspect must pose a serious threat to the public or other officers.
- There must be identifiable information available, such as a vehicle description or license plate.
- The investigating agency must recommend activation to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas is one of 34 US states that employs the Blue Alert system as a means of engaging the public in high-priority manhunts when officer and community safety are at risk.
