Texas ICE Facility Attack: Two Accused of Aiding Suspect Benjamin Hanil Song's Escape

Texas ICE Facility Attack: Two Accused of Aiding Suspect's Escape

Two individuals, John Phillip Thomas and Lynette Read Sharp, are facing charges for allegedly assisting Benjamin Hanil Song, a military veteran, in evading capture following an attack on the Prairieland Detention Centre, an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4.

Accusations Against Thomas and Sharp

While Thomas and Sharp are not accused of directly participating in the shooting, they are implicated in helping Song avoid arrest afterward. Investigators claim the pair used encrypted Signal group chats to coordinate the attack and manage Song’s movements.

Sharp allegedly withdrew from the plan shortly before the incident but remained involved in the communication and offered financial support. Thomas is accused of managing the chat groups and providing transportation for Song after the shooting.

Charges and Arrests

Both Thomas and Sharp are charged with hindering the apprehension of an attempted murderer. Thomas was arrested on July 10 and is held on a $5 million bond, while Sharp was arrested on July 13 and is held on a $2.5 million bond.

Capture of Benjamin Hanil Song

Song, the primary suspect, faces six felony charges related to the ambush, including firing upon law enforcement officers. He was apprehended in Dallas after a Blue Alert and an FBI Most Wanted listing. The FBI had offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.