Following the July 4 attack on a Texas ICE detention facility, federal authorities have charged two individuals, John Phillip Thomas and Lynette Read Sharp, with accessory after the fact in the incident that left one officer injured. The attack reportedly involved a group of 10 to 12 individuals, with suspect Benjamin Hanil Song still at large after the incident. The FBI has issued a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction, highlighting the severity of the case. Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, is considered armed and dangerous, prompting authorities to expand their search beyond the Dallas-Fort Worth area to neighboring states.
Thomas and Sharp are accused of planning the attack, coordinating with the suspect, and aiding his escape. According to the court documents, Thomas was a member of Signal Chat groups that included Song and Sharp, where they allegedly discussed the attack and facilitated the suspect’s escape. Thomas initially claimed to be housesitting for a friend on the day of the attack and later admitted to being friends with Song since 2022, as well as previously living with him from September 2024 to late June 2025. He allegedly met with three individuals after the attack, discussing the shooting and plans to help Song flee the area. Thomas is also accused of transporting Song to a separate home in the area, as revealed in the search of his vehicle, which uncovered a loaded 30-round AR-15 magazine and a Walmart receipt for clothing in Song’s size dated July 6.
Sharp is accused of monitoring the chat for the group, offering to assist in the operation, and arranging Song’s transport to another individual. Court documents show that Sharp allegedly discussed the group’s plans to partake in the operation at the Prairieland Detention Center, stating she would not be able to attend due to family issues. The FBI has arrested 14 people for their alleged connections to the attack, with authorities emphasizing the significant effort required to uncover the network behind the incident. The charges against Thomas and Sharp indicate their direct involvement in the attack and its aftermath, with their actions contributing to the potential escalation of the situation.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate Song, who is believed to be somewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The FBI has stated that they are expanding their publicity efforts to neighboring states, underscoring the urgency of the manhunt. The case has drawn attention from political figures, with the Trump administration vowing to prosecute the attackers to the fullest extent of the law. The involvement of military personnel and the organized nature of the attack have raised concerns about potential domestic extremist links, although no such connection has been confirmed. The charges against Thomas and Sharp highlight the role of accomplices in enabling such violent acts, while the FBI’s reward offer reflects the seriousness of the situation. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on apprehending Song, whose disappearance has added critical urgency to the law enforcement efforts.
The ongoing search for Song is a testament to the complexities of such cases, where multiple layers of coordination and deception can complicate the pursuit. While Thomas and Sharp have been charged, their actions have revealed the broader implications of the attack, including the potential for organized violence and the challenges in securing immigration facilities. With 14 others already arrested, authorities are determined to ensure that all those involved in the attack are brought to justice. The case not only raises questions about the security measures in place but also underscores the importance of public vigilance in combating such threats. As the investigation unfolds, it remains a critical example of how law enforcement must navigate both the immediate threat and the broader implications of such incidents.