A gunman fired upon a Dallas immigration field office from a nearby roof Wednesday morning, killing two detainees and critically wounding another, before taking his own life in what authorities deemed an indiscriminate attack on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The victims were situated inside a van outside the facility when the attack commenced. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ammunition with anti-ICE messages was discovered at the scene.
This attack marks the latest targeted violence against public figures in the United States and follows shortly after the shooting of conservative leader Charlie Kirk by a rifle-toting shooter.
Who are the victims?
All three victims were detainees, according to the Department of Homeland Security, but no further details about their identities have been disclosed. Officials confirmed that no law enforcement personnel were harmed during the ordeal.
Who was the shooter?
The gunman reportedly succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have withheld personal information regarding the individual's identity.
What was the motive for the attack?
The FBI revealed that ammunition containing anti-ICE messaging was found at the site. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the attack, labeling it as motivated by hatred toward ICE. Senator Ted Cruz underscored this escalating trend, advocating for responsible discourse in political rhetoric surrounding immigration.
Democratic lawmakers criticized Cruz and others for allegedly manipulating the narrative to portray ICE agents as victims while attempting to obscure the identities of the deceased. U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey expressed his disgust over the reluctance of officials to clarify the victims' statuses.
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting unfolded at the ICE field office in Dallas, which is responsible for processing individuals taken into custody. The facility is located near Interstate 35 East, close to Dallas Love Field Airport.
What other recent attacks have occurred at ICE facilities?
Earlier incidents of violence include a July 4 shooting at a Texas immigration detention center, injuring a police officer, and a July 7 incident where an assailant opened fire on federal agents at a U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen.