Benjamin Hanil Song, the 32-year-old Dallas man arrested for the attempted murder of a federal officer during the July 4 ambush on an ICE detention facility near Fort Worth, once worked at a law firm operated by his father.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Song was apprehended by an FBI tactical team around 6 p.m. on July 15 at an apartment near 5200 Meadowcreek Drive in Dallas following a week-long manhunt. He is the 14th suspect allegedly linked to the attack, which authorities say was carried out by Antifa militants.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Song faces three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He is currently being held on $15 million bond — $5 million per charge — in the Johnson County jail.
Federal investigators say Song opened fire on law enforcement and unarmed corrections staff outside the Prairieland Detention Center during a coordinated ambush. One Alvarado police officer was shot in the neck. Attackers reportedly used fireworks and spray-painted anti-ICE slogans to draw guards and officers out of the building before launching the assault.
Authorities believe Song fled into the woods near the scene and was later helped by two individuals — a former roommate and another associate — who allegedly aided his escape and helped him change his appearance.
According to Current Revolt, Song previously worked at his family’s firm, Song Whiddon PLLC, based in Dallas. In a 2023 lawsuit, one of the firm’s partners defended Song, stating he was not “moonlighting, running around terrorizing people.”
The law firm’s website says it focuses on business and commercial law, construction, personal injury and wrongful death, and real estate, land use, and zoning.
“Tailim has been handling and trying cases for more than 20 years,” the site reads, referencing Song’s father. “He has represented businesses and individuals across a wide variety of industries and practice areas,” including litigation, real estate, land use, zoning, manufacturing, intellectual property, technology, finance, labor and employment, securities, environmental, aviation, consumer products, insurance, entertainment, transportation, medical devices, oil and gas, and renewable energy.
Federal court documents show Song legally purchased four firearms allegedly used in the ambush. One of the weapons recovered — a semi-automatic rifle — was found at the scene. Another was discovered during the arrest of a co-conspirator.
Officials from ICE and the FBI have condemned the attack as politically motivated and vowed to pursue all those involved to the fullest extent of the law. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons issued a statement praising Song’s capture, calling it a critical step in restoring safety for federal officers.
The Dallas Express reached out to Song Whiddon, PLLC, for comment, but did not receive a response.