March 6th: Federal Trial Day 10

Section 1: Summary

Header

Date: March 6, 2026
Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division
Case: CR 229-3 (Prairieland defendants)
Judge: Mark Pittman
Prosecution: Shawn Smith (USAO)
Defense attorneys present: Phillip Hayes (Ben Song), James Luster / Cody Cofer (Autumn Hill), J. Warren St. John (Meagan Morris), Patrick McClain / Bradley Sauer (Zachary Evetts), MarQuetta Clayton (Maricela Rueda), Chris Tolbert (Savanna Batten), Blake Ryan Burns (Elizabeth Soto), Leigh Davis (Ines Soto), Christopher Weinbel / Rachel Taft (Daniel Sanchez Estrada)
Defendants present: Benjamin “Champagne” Song, Meagan Morris, Autumn Hill, Zachary Evetts, Maricela “Mari” Rueda, Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada, Savanna “Vanna” Batten, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto
Type of proceeding: Jury trial (continuing)
Witnesses: Susan Kent (AM — direct and extensive cross-examination); Corrections Officer Gilpin (PM — brief booking testimony); John Thomas, “Juniper” (PM — direct and beginning of cross-examination)

Excerpt

The prosecution’s second cooperating witness, Susan Kent, broke down on the stand under defense cross-examination that exposed coercive plea conditions and the government’s role in labeling defendants as an “Antifa cell” — a term Kent did not use on her own and struggled to define. Cooperating witness John Thomas similarly could not recall who he had identified as “Antifa” until the prosecution showed him a government-prepared document, and defense established that the government drafted the testimony he read from.

Key Takeaways

Susan Kent’s cross-examination undermined the prosecution’s “Antifa cell” framing. Kent pled guilty to material support and identified several defendants as “Antifa” — but under cross admitted she didn’t consider herself Antifa, didn’t know what Antifa meant until recently, that Antifa has no membership, and that the term “Antifa cell” in her factual resume was language the government drafted, not her own words. She became emotional when asked whether law enforcement questioning felt like political persecution.
Kent confirmed the plan was a noise demonstration, not an attack. Song’s extreme proposal to free detainees using suppressive fire was shut down by the group at the July 3 gear check. Kent testified that she would have warned Sikes not to go if she believed it would be violent. Song’s statement “I’m not getting arrested” was understood to mean he would flee.
Law enforcement coercion surfaced again. Kent testified that officers threatened her with 99 years to life if she didn’t cooperate, and that the 30-to-life exposure drove her plea decision. She was 24 years old and had been in detention for 8–9 months.
John Thomas (“Juniper”) could not independently identify “Antifa members.” When asked to name Antifa members, Thomas paused and couldn’t recall. The prosecution showed him Exhibit 141 — his prior statement — to “refresh his memory.” He then read names from the government document. He also had to be prompted by the prosecution to add Autumn Hill’s name. On cross, defense established he didn’t write the statement and that the government drafted his testimony.
Thomas’s account of Song’s actions after the shooting was detailed — Song told Thomas he fired after the officer drew a weapon, exchanged approximately 30–40 rounds, his gun jammed, and he fled into the woods. Thomas helped pick Song up on July 5, provided shelter and a disguise, and transferred Song to another person on July 7.
Defense scored points on SRA and black bloc. Thomas confirmed the SRA is a law-abiding 501(c)(3) Second Amendment organization comparable to the NRA, that the unredacted membership roster was turned over to law enforcement (Thomas asked for a warrant first), and that black bloc is standard practice to prevent right-wing doxxing and SWAT-ting — not evidence of criminal intent.
Trial adjourned early due to incoming storms. Prosecution resumes Monday at 8:30 AM with one more cooperating witness and one expert witness. The prosecution intends to rest on Tuesday. Judge Pittman wants the trial finished by next Friday.

Narrative Summary

Morning Session: Susan Kent

Direct Examination

Susan Kent, 24, testified as a cooperating witness for the prosecution. She was arrested August 7 and pled guilty to providing material support for terrorism. Her plea agreement caps her sentence at 15 years with the possibility of a lower sentence in exchange for cooperation.

Kent’s factual resume — read aloud — stated that “on or about July 4, an Antifa cell conducted an act of terrorism including attempted murder of police officers” and that Kent conspired to provide aid. Kent does not identify as Antifa.

Background and SRA involvement: Kent met Sikes at UT Arlington in 2021; they moved in together in 2023. She met Song in the summer of 2023 through SRA “gun tell” events (educational/safety events about firearms) led by Song and others. She attended 2–3 gun tells and 2 range days at a tire-backstop range south of Dallas. She joined SRA Signal chats (“Discussion + News,” with 200+ members) and was part of the SRA onboarding committee, which vetted prospective members with political questions about BLM, trans rights, Palestine, and when it’s appropriate to call the police.

Kent attended approximately 30 self-defense classes (basic grappling, hand-to-hand) and stop-the-bleed first aid trainings, the most recent at Finn’s Place — a community space created by Galileo Church for LGBTQ members. She carried an IFAK (individual first aid kit) daily.

Signal handles identified: Atreah/EZ (Kent), Wise/Wiseaw (Sikes), Champagne (Song), Herald of the Mad God/Shelby (Morris), Autumnhill (Hill), Mari (Rueda), John Val John (Evetts), Hemlock/Rowan (Joy Gibson, Song’s partner). Kent referred to people by Signal handles in real life — she learned many legal names only after arrest.

Kent did not know Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada. She did not know Rueda was married. She had seen the Sotos and Batten only once, at a self-defense class.

July 3 Gear Check: Song invited Kent via Signal DM on July 2 to a “gear check” at the “Big Gay House” (56th St). Kent arrived around 9:30–10:00 PM and brought an IFAK, gas mask, rubber bullet shield, and firearm (“when it’s an SRA thing you bring your gun”). She had never been teargassed or shot at.

Present at the gear check: Song, Autumn Hill, Morris, Gibson, Lucy, Gardenia (Rebecca Morgan), and 2 others Kent didn’t know. Approximately 5 people lived at the house. The discussion began outside on the patio after leaving phones inside so there would be no record.

Song brought up Prairieland Detention Center: “ICE is getting worse, we have to do something.” The group went inside to look at photos of the facility — perimeter, guard shack, building plans. Song said: “This is as easy as it’s going to get” and “We can take the place and free the people inside” using “suppressive fire” — shooting overhead to overwhelm and intimidate while people escaped.

“General disagreement” — the group shut this idea down. Kent: it was not seriously planned for or discussed. The group discussed stealing U-hauls to move freed detainees, but this also did not have popular support. Hill asked: “Do we bring our guns?” Song replied: “Yes. I’m not getting arrested.”

The group shifted to nonviolent alternatives: making noise to let detainees know they were supported, possibly throwing food and water over the fence. Song showed a YouTube video about clearing a building. Yellow vests (safety marshals at protests) were discussed in the D+N chat but not at the gear check; attitudes were mixed. Kent left around midnight.

Kent did not discuss the protest with Sikes afterward. She was working on July 4 and did not plan to attend. She did not know the gear check was for the July 4 protest until she arrived.

July 4 — After the Shooting: At 9:00 PM, Sikes texted Kent “going dark” — meaning he was going to the protest and turning off his phone (standard practice at protests to avoid cell tower pinging). After 11:30 PM, Kent saw that Song had changed their Signal name to “delete.” Kent understood this as a signal to remove Song and anyone who attended the protest from Signal group chats as a security precaution.

Kent, as a D+N admin, removed Sikes, Gibson, Morris, Hill, and “John Val John” (Evetts) from chats. There was debate about whether Ines was there. Lucy (Signal handle “Cat Eggs”) provided information about who was present. Kent did not delete messages, only removed people.

Kent and Lynette Sharp organized a “support response” Signal chat and drove separately to the Alvarado area to look for vehicles associated with those arrested. They went to Johnson County Jail and asked about Sikes — they were briefly detained because they “looked suspicious” (dressed similarly to those arrested: cargo pants, t-shirts). They were searched and released.

Around noon on July 5, Sharp received a message from Song: “I’m hiding out in the woods. Can you pick me up here? It will save my life.” Evetts’ wife (Janelle/”Wendilemma”) also reached out through Signal looking for Evetts; she was added to the support chat. Kent and Sharp didn’t want to pick up Song themselves because they’d been seen at the jail, so John Thomas (“Juniper”) was contacted to help.

July 6 — Meeting with Song: Kent met Song at a shopping center parking lot near a Sprouts. She left her phone in her car. Song was in disguise — shaved eyebrows, blonde wig, mask. Song recounted what happened: Mari, John (Thomas), and Song were at the parking lot near Prairieland. Officers ran out of the facility; everyone ran back to the cart and along the fence. Song saw an officer with a gun, got a rifle, and “traded shots.” Song estimated 30–40 rounds were exchanged. Song saw the officer go down, stopped shooting, ran toward a house. Song’s gun jammed; they tried to clear it, couldn’t, threw the rifle on the ground, and ran into the woods. Song thought they’d been shot in the leg — it was actually pepper spray in their pocket that had burst.

Song said: “I panicked. It was a panic situation.” Song asked if they could stay at Morgan’s place. Morgan said she’d have to think about it. They all went separate ways.

Kent testified she believed Song would have kept firing if the gun hadn’t jammed.

Cross-Examination

Multiple defense attorneys conducted cross-examination, scoring significant points:

General defense themes (Luster, Hayes, and others):

The plan decided at the gear check was a peaceful noise demonstration. The extreme proposal to free inmates was “immediately shot down” and not seriously discussed.
Kent confirmed that if she believed the protest would be violent, she would have told Sikes not to go.
Song’s statement “I’m not getting arrested” was understood to mean Song would flee, not engage in a shootout. Defense: “You told agents that Song was willing to flee rather than go to prison.” Kent: Yes.
“Suppressive fire” was described as shooting in a general direction to gain compliance without directly targeting anyone — “always a risk,” but “so is driving a car.”
The gear check discussion included hyperbolic and joking conversation — including about “the zombie apocalypse.” Kent described herself as a “prepper” for natural disasters.
IFAKs are a preventative safety measure carried daily; they cannot be used as weapons.
Song had previously said: “We’re not doing anything dangerous, but I’m not going to jail.” (Quote refreshed from prior interview.)
Black bloc is standard practice to prevent being doxxed by right-wing groups, not evidence of criminal intent.
Finn’s Place is a community center; stop-the-bleed training was led by a professional EMS worker.

Plea coercion and political questioning:

Law enforcement told Kent she could spend 99 years in prison if she didn’t cooperate. Her sentencing guidelines without the plea were 30 years to life.
During interrogation, officers asked political questions about Kent’s beliefs. When asked if this felt like “political persecution,” Kent became emotional: “It seemed very political, but I didn’t think it was an extra step of persecution.” (Multiple note-takers recorded Kent crying at this point.)
Kent confirmed the prosecution has a role in her sentencing and that she was looking at the prosecution bench during testimony.
Defense established that if Kent says something untrue but the prosecution believes it, she still gets the plea deal — creating an incentive structure where Kent’s testimony tracks what prosecutors want to hear, not necessarily the truth. Judge Pittman reminded Kent of her perjury obligations.

“Antifa cell” language:

Kent’s factual resume (the plea document) referred to her friends as an “Antifa cell.” But Kent did not write the factual resume.
Kent testified she did not consider herself Antifa and that as recently as six months ago she and law enforcement were not on the same page about what Antifa meant.
Antifa does not have a membership like the SRA. When Kent named people as “Antifa,” she meant they had antifascist beliefs — a political ideology, not organizational membership.
Nobody told Kent they were members of Antifa.
Defense established: “You named people in this room to be Antifa members?” Yes. “Why would you say this?” “I understood this to mean those people had antifascist beliefs.”
On the distinction between anarchism and antifascism: anarchism concerns a wider range of topics (self-determination, community); antifascism is a specific response to fascism with documented history since the 1900s. They are not the same.

Defendant-specific cross:

Evetts (McClain): Not present at the July 3 gear check. Kent has been a guest in his home but confirmed Evetts had no knowledge of what was discussed at the meeting.
Batten (Tolbert): Kent didn’t know Batten well; her classification was based on Batten’s association with Ines Soto.
Liz Soto (Burns): Not at the gear check. Kent met her only once and they didn’t really talk.
Ines Soto (Davis): Only met once at a self-defense class. Kent’s understanding of his beliefs came entirely from Signal chat comments — she assumed he was antifa the way she would assume a pro-choice person is a leftist.

Afternoon Session

Redirect: Susan Kent (Brief)

Prosecutor Smith briefly revisited Signal messages (Exhibit 161) — a message exchange about who was at the protest, establishing a headcount. Kent confirmed Song’s statement about not going to jail was in the context of being asked about firearms.

Kent was excused. No recross.

Corrections Officer Gilpin — JoCo Booking

A Johnson County corrections officer (10 years, booking corporal) testified briefly. Song was identified in court by the officer. The officer testified about fingerprinting Song on July 4 — only machine (live scan) prints were taken, no physical ink prints. Exhibit 208 (fingerprint card) was admitted after a brief dispute about redacting a second page containing extraneous material (state charges). The judge cleared the jury briefly to resolve this, calling it “a waste of time.”

John Thomas (“Juniper”) — Direct Examination

John Thomas, who goes by “Juniper,” testified as the prosecution’s third cooperating witness. Arrested July 10, he pled guilty to providing material support for terrorism (15-year cap, cooperation, Johnson County to dismiss charges later).

Background: Thomas met Song around 2020–2022 at a food distribution and outreach event. They became roommates around February 2022 in Oak Cliff, also living with Joy Gibson (from Portland). Signal handles: “Roy come get this cat” / Juniper / Lemon/Lemonade (Thomas); Bubble / Champagney (Song); Rowland (Gibson).

Weapons in the apartment: Thomas testified the household had a “variety of firearms” — Song had 4 AR-15s and was building another, including one with a binary trigger. Gibson had an HCR and an AR. They had “at least one set each” of body armor and 2–3 IFAKs. No gas masks.

SRA Secretary: Thomas served as SRA secretary, maintaining the membership spreadsheet. Exhibit 177 (the SRA roster as of June 2025) was entered into evidence. Thomas detailed the spreadsheet columns: Column A = call name, B = name on file, C = membership number, D = active/expired, E = rank, F = expiration, H = zipcode, I = county, J = state, K = pronouns, L = local or national only, M = chapter, N = NDA on file, O = probation/provisional/full, P = notes. The roster was not redacted — it contained real names, email addresses, personal information, and home addresses. Thomas identified Evetts, Song, and Morris on the roster. Song was the only fully active member; Morris was listed as a practical [provisional?] member.

Thomas described SRA events: range days (monthly), gun tells (educational), social events. He went to range days “more often than not.” Song was a frequent instructor; Thomas described the binary trigger as hard to control. A video of Song firing the binary trigger AR-15 was shown to the jury.

56th Street House: Residents included Autumn Hill, Stephanie, Lucy, Morris’s brother, Taylor, and Laurent. Thomas had been there a few times for social occasions.

Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club (EFJBGC): Thomas described this as a leftist DFW-area group doing armed protest over LGBTQ+ and community rights. Many but not all SRA members were also in JBGC, but the groups were independent. Key distinction: JBGC was “less concerned with following law” while the SRA was “very strict.” Song and Morris were in JBGC. Thomas described a successful action where EFJBGC defended a homeless encampment — when they showed up with rifles, Dallas city marshals “broke up and left.”

Identifying “Antifa”: Thomas was asked to identify people aligned with Antifa. He could not recall names off the top of his head. The prosecution showed him Exhibit 141 (his prior interview statement) to “refresh his memory.” He then read from it: Song, Morris, Gibson, Rueda, Sykes, Lucy, and Dario Sanchez. The prosecution then prompted him to add Autumn Hill — “And are you sure you don’t remember any other names? Was Autumn Hill one of them?” Thomas added Hill. He did not know Ines Soto, Liz Soto, or Des (Daniel) Sanchez Estrada. He clarified he had been talking about Dario Sanchez, not Daniel/Des Sanchez, throughout.

Thomas said his identification of people as Antifa was based on personal conversations and expressed sentiments — not on anyone telling him they were Antifa members.

July 4–5: Thomas was not involved in planning or attending the protest. He was pet-sitting from June 29 to July 7 at a friend’s apartment unaffiliated with anyone involved. He learned about events on July 5 from the internet and Discord — that a protest “got out of hand,” police were shot, and several arrests were made.

Kent contacted Thomas about going to the Cleburne Days Inn. He went and learned Sharp was in contact with Song. Thomas and Sharp drove to pick up Song around 11:00 PM–midnight on July 5 from the side of a road off Highway 67. Song was extremely dehydrated and needed help getting into the car. Sharp was dropped at the Days Inn/Waffle House. Thomas took Song to the pet-sitting apartment.

Sheltering Song: Song showered, was given clothes, and slept. The next day (July 6), Thomas bought Song clothes at Walmart. Sharp came over. Thomas purchased supplies including a wig, hat (disguise), and food. Song gave Thomas and Sharp a detailed account:

Song said the plan was to make noise and shoot fireworks at the facility.
“Jean Valjean” (Evetts) slashed tires; someone else spray-painted cars. People got inside the fence and vandalized.
Police arrived. The sound of a tire popping / being slashed spooked the arriving officer into drawing a weapon.
Song said they fired at the officer after the officer drew a gun.
Song then fired “suppressive fire” at other officers.
Song estimated 30–40 rounds were exchanged (Thomas’s recollection of Song’s claim).
Song saw the officer go down. Song ran toward a house, gun jammed, tried to clear it, threw the rifle on the ground.
Song ran into the woods. Felt burning in leg — it was pepper spray in a pocket, not a gunshot wound.
Song hid in a field of wildflowers/sunflowers to evade helicopter and drone searches, crawling when needed.
Song still had a pistol.
Song said: “I panicked.”
Song asked Sikes to tell the others to run. Song didn’t think Sikes escaped.

Thomas testified that Song didn’t mention any other names of people at the scene. Gibson (Song’s partner) had been arrested; Song expressed concern.

On July 7, Thomas told Song he needed to leave (the homeowner was returning). Song was disguised — wig, cloth mask. Sharp came; Song got into Rebecca Morgan’s car with a bag provided by Sharp. Song stated a general plan to “keep moving.” Song was transferred around 6:15 PM toward Richardson.

Thomas said he had protested with Song at least 10 times. It was not unusual to bring rifles, pistols, or body armor. IFAKs were typical. Black bloc was standard — to cover identifying features. Thomas had never used fireworks at a protest and said shooting them toward a federal facility was “problematic.” He confirmed fireworks are classified as explosives.

Song had never talked about using firearms to attack or intimidate. Song had talked about using firearms for “matching force.” Song had a “negative view” of police.

Cross-Examination of Thomas (Beginning)

Cross-examination began around 3:00 PM (Hayes for Song, with other defense attorneys). The judge warned this would be the last witness of the day due to weather.

Key points from the beginning of cross:

Binary trigger: Thomas found it hard to control, with stacking recoil. Defense suggested it was a waste of ammunition. Thomas agreed it was somewhat less accurate.
Song’s condition: Thomas confirmed Song was dehydrated and sick. Defense established that Song told Thomas the account while in this condition — and that Song said he fired after the officer drew a weapon.
Plea incentives: Thomas was hoping for no federal charges. Without the 15-year cap, he faced 30 to life. He was told that if he didn’t cooperate, it would be “devastating.” His impression was that cooperation would result in less severe state charges.
Suppressive fire: Thomas confirmed Song described wanting to use suppressive fire — fire intended not to harm but to hold a position.
Information sources: Thomas admitted his knowledge comes from Song, law enforcement, and the media. He has never seen video of the events. Defense: “What Smith had you read was all you know.” Thomas confirmed. Defense: “So the law drafted this testimony.” Thomas confirmed the law drafted the testimony.
SRA as a legal organization: Thomas confirmed SRA is a 501(c)(3), strictly upholds the law, is comparable to the NRA/TSRA. Everything the SRA puts out is legal. The roster contains real names, emails, and addresses — Thomas told the government to get a search warrant for his computer before turning it over.
Black bloc: Thomas confirmed black bloc is standard protest practice to prevent right-wing doxxing, SWAT-ting, and harassment. Not unusual.
EFJBGC and the homeless encampment: Defense established that armed community defense was a known and successful tactic — city marshals left when confronted by armed EFJBGC members protecting a homeless encampment.
Antifa identification: Thomas confirmed no one identifies themselves as Antifa. He did not refer to anyone as Antifa before his arrest. He had only met “Murray” (unclear from notes — possibly Rueda or another defendant) twice with no real conversation. He clarified he referenced Dario Sanchez, not Des (Daniel) Sanchez. He had never met Des. There is no Antifa membership list comparable to the SRA roster.
Self-defense: Defense established Song taught self-defense classes to keep people safe.
Media bias: Thomas said media reporting informed by law enforcement is biased toward law enforcement. Song was a more reliable source.

Cross-examination was cut short when Judge Pittman declared trial over for the day due to incoming storms.

Scheduling and Case Status

Next court date: Monday, March 9, 2026, at 8:30 AM.
The prosecution has one more cooperating witness and one more expert witness remaining.
The prosecution intends to close its case on Tuesday.
Judge Pittman wants the entire trial finished by Friday, March 13.

Incidents and Atmosphere

Judge Pittman opened the day with a quip about having given up sweets for Lent but eating candies throughout the trial: “I guess I better go to confession, for numerous reasons.”
Kent’s emotional testimony was a notable courtroom moment. Multiple note-takers recorded her crying when asked about political persecution during law enforcement interviews. She asked for Kleenex.
Jury engagement: Note-takers recorded the jury as “engaged” and at times “concerned” and “disturbed” — particularly during testimony about Song’s statement that he exchanged 30–40 rounds with the officer, and during defense questions about plea deal incentives. The jury appeared “very engaged” when defense established that Kent could receive her plea deal even if some testimony was untrue, as long as the prosecution believed it.
Thomas’s inability to recall “Antifa” names was a notable moment — he paused for a long time before the prosecution directed him to his prior statement. This was highlighted by multiple note-takers and emphasized during cross-examination.
The SRA membership roster was displayed unredacted in court, containing the real names, email addresses, and home addresses of members. Defense raised concerns about right-wing doxxing and harassment risks.
Judge became irritable multiple times during the afternoon, including stopping a defense inquiry and admonishing counsel for unclear questions.

Section 2: Full Notes

AD AM (31 pages)

8:53 Witness: Susan Kent

When met in person what did you call
them? Shelby & Autumn
→ Champagne, John, Mari

Did you know Mari had a husband? No

Who came to the self-defense classes?

Me, Sykes John showed up to some
someone named K, Gardenia & Reb Morg [?]
brought roommate
Joy
→ Yes, Rowan
→ Partners to Song
Gibsons Wandle [?] → Rowan

How many x did you interact?
→ online often, in person 3 times
→ sh/t [?] treasurer

What Q’s for vetting?

Name, nickname, pronouns
topics. Trans rights, BLM, s it’s when
its ok to call cops, Palestine &
Israel, how they would resolve conflict,
if they have any issues w/ anyone
How many x to 56th st house?
→ 1
→ July

Purpose of Affi [?]? leadership?
→ No, ppl close to help out if you are
stuck ex. Electric goes out, come
get food
→ How does it work in rel to protest?

Don’t know
→ What protests have you been to?
WM in 2022, small marches for AB
rights

Black bloc → similar clothing to not be
singled out
Face covering? Started at COVID

Did you protest at night? No
Bring a firearm? No.

July 4th event

→ 2nd Song reached out via DM & asked
about going to a gear check

Song DMs you instead of big chat? Y

Song inviting you to event? Y

Its at BGH (Big Gay House)
Asked if Seth was going → said NO
Knew that Seth was at parents for
the holidays

showed up around 9:30/10
→ Brought: IFAK, gas mask, shield
for rubber bullets, firearm
Why
- No specific “bring your gun”
  “When its an SRA thing you bring
  your gun”
all other items standard

Have you been teargassed? N
Shot at? No.

At one point we discussed breaking
holds in groups
PSS: Dearresting?
We practiced how to get people free
of grasp → how to do as a group
Any other tactics? N

(→ Arrive at 9:30
When did you arrive?
BS: Who present?

Song, Autumn, Morris, Me
Hill, 2 ppl didn’t know & Gardenia

BS How many ppl live @ 56th?

5? 4? [?]
BS: How would you describe house? messy?
its messy

PSS: Who’s leading discussion?

Song says, are we ready to start?
might have done gear check but
discussion did not start
PSS:
Tell us convo
Song brings up PDC → things are
getting worse ICE wise & ppl in
area
have to do something

PSS: What were photos of?

photos were outside, perimeter, shack
front of bldg

BS: Discuss. by Song abt cameras?

Y → go outside & talk about cameras,
guard shack is empty, easy
target
Song says “this is as easy as its
going to get” “we can take the
place & free ppl inside”
“shoot over their heads with
suppressive fire”
→ General disagreement, ppl don’t
think this is wise

PSS: You…?
Gibson, Song, Morgan, Hill, Morris,
Lucy + 2 others

PSS: Disagreement w/ plan to break ppl

Y out?
PSS: clear Song is thinking of this?
Y
We discussed would be easy to steal
U hauls & more ppl
Didn’t have pop support
→ what are all things we can do?
Nonviolent

PSS: What does Hill & Song say

PSS: How many x did Song say not getting arrested [?]

2 or 3 times
PSS: Emphatic? – Y

PSS: Any discussion of yellow vests?

Not with Song, DEN: had a lot of discussion

PSS: What is attd to Y vests?

mixed, not for protest just ‘property’,
some say provide care for protestors

PSS: How did you take that to mean?
→ In this scenario… ppl did not want
to shoot at ppl so it was abandoned

PSS: How well do you know Song?

mildly
PSS: But you interacted?
friends but did not talk about things outside
of politics

PSS: What about Sykes?

No → Into … Well if not doing that,
how can we support ppl?
a brief aside talk abt how to get
supplies

PSS: What supplies?

ammunition, food, water

9:25am:
Video – YouTube – clearing a building

PSS: Who would you say is Antifa?

Gibson, Song, Sykes, Slime, Inez

PSS: Savanna?
→ Did not interact personally

PSS: & Ines wife Elizabeth?

I assume so?

PSS: Rueda?

Yes. Explains ACAB & systematic

PSS: How long was gear check?

3 hrs
Do they need food? Could we throw?
Can we have noise in this section
or this section

PSS: You didn’t know about plans?

I might have seen a poster for the noon
protest – noise demo
General sent. ppl wanted to do more
ICE protests

PSS: When did you leave? Midnight

I go home, Seth is not home, I assume
if Seth goes he will talk to Song?.

PSS: You don’t communicate with Sykes?

If he’s going assume Song will talk
to him but has family

PSS: [illegible]

What does going dark mean?
Going to protest & turning off phone

PSS: Next thing sig that night?

Around 11:30pm see that Song has
changed Signal name to “delete”

exhibit 158?
pg 64, msg 424

a message from me about what
username means

msg 427

& ppl are freaking out abt what
name change means & I took that
to mean we remove Song + others
administrator of DENJ [?]

What groups?

Karaoke, Areosoft [?] – main ones I was in

PSS: What do you take

me & anyone w/ admin rights would
remove Song & tried to figure out who
else was there

PSS: A headcount? Y

I took out:
Sykes, Gibson Evarts
Lucy said Moriss & Hill &
Debate on Ines
Person worried about Savannah &

PSS: Did you go in and remove messages?

Not messages, removing ppl

PSS: Theres no roster you’re aware of?

PSS: How do you com w/ Lynette?

Signal, support group

PSS: Others from 56th house? [unclear: were [illegible]]

Lucy (ateggs) [?]

PSS: You got a hotel?

Y, Lynette & I decide we can go
by jail & ask. They detain us a
moment & then let us go

PSS: JoCo?

Y, ask if Seth Sykes has been arrested,
say yes

PSS: Released?

Y – go to gas station, try to figure out
what to do → jail support, lawyers.

PSS: You goto hotel?

Lynette gets message from Song at noon

“Hiding out in woods, can you pick me
up here & here, it will save my life”

PSS: What does E wire say?
“Hi reaching out bc John said to contact
Song but Song said dede so reaching
out to you?”

PSS: Song changing name, caused reaction?

Y, we were seeing on news a person
has been shot & cage fight

PSS: How many in D&N chat?
200+, sometimes less or more

PSS: So you knew that Styles [?] was arrested?

PSS: kit, snail, biscuit?

SRA, friends with ppl who had
disappeared

PSS: Do you know true names?

N
Go to scope out area & best place to
pick someone up
Logistics about how to pick up

John Thomas

Sharp contacts Juniper to come in
PSS: Why call Juniper in?
We knew we had been seen at jail

PSS: Does Sharp communicate to you?

Y, get a phone call

PSS:

Kit gets Sharp, Sharp goes to car & home
I go home, around 6 PM Lynette asks
if I want to talk to Song
At 8pm I go to a shopping center in
Dallas, by Sprouts
See Lynette’s car, leave phone & go to
them
Song & Lynette are in car, Song in disguise

Song say everything was going OK

Me, Marie & John moved to [?] parking lot,
saw 2 ppl run out of bldg w/no
lights

PSS: What did he mention was Evarts doing?

He was smashing cars

— BREAK —
10:32AM

Exh 161, pg 3

message – “I am assuming this is
a discussion… of who was there and
wasn’t there”

pg 5

message – The first is Ev wife & other
is Lucy (catregg [?])

161 is admitted

message – is saying we guessed there were 8
ppl there that night

PSS: What do you recall Song saying

Ofcrs ran out, officers in a car pulled
up

PSS: Where?

ppl moved down fence

PSS: Finks?

I think so unsure

PSS: Is Song saying “we” name

we ran back to the cart… along fence
grabbed rifle… traded shots… 30-40

PSS: His estimation?

Y to my recollection

PSS: At officers?

At officer w/gun

-objection- sustained 10 [?] BSQ question
re-ask

PSS:

Song thought they’d been shot, saw ofcr
go down. Stopped shooting. Ran toward
house. Song’s gun jammed – tried to clear
didn’t work, threw on ground & went to woods

PSS:
Did Song give info before on clearing rifle?

Pistol yes, rifle no

PSS: Anything about pp spray?
realized he was not shot,

PSS: He got shot or shot officer?

They traded shots

PSS: Did S say was shot?

Y, got hit in leg
Went to house in woods
tried to clear, motioned
went into woods

-objection- overruled -speculation

PSS: Do you think S would have kept shooting?

objection
Yes

PSS: Did u ask S why separated from group?

Could Seth have escaped with? S said
no. Said “I panicked” it was a panic
sit. everyone was panicking & run

PSS: – Morgan, sharp [?] & self
PSS: Did S say same thing?

PSS: “

S can I stay with Morgan?
M said I have to think about it
was getting hot so went seperate ways

PSS: Why didn’t S want to go back to his house?

I have no idea

PSS: same Q, slightly diff

I did not know where he was staying

PSS: “

Had a place to stay for night

PSS: Did not want to go to own residence?

I do not know

Defense – cross 10:47
A – You were at 7/3 mtg?

A – You pled guilty to providing material support & helping Song?

A. Had U been to other gear checks?

A Mr. Sykes?

Not that I’m aware

A: You talked about IFAC…..

SRA classes were at Finns b/c open community space

A. It was anything that could happen, less prepare for anything?

A: You talked abt Aff. Grps?

A: For ex… if lost electric, can get firewood

Y, SRA had done prev. & assume would be similar

A: prior protest…. women, abortion anti-ICE

A: How many?

10 #2? [?]

A: as attended more, were asked to wear

Y BPs? [?]

A You didn’t carry

N
But Sykes did
He had a pistol, carried everywhere b/c Texas, open & carry

A: You went to gear check b/c Sykes couldn’t?

We didn’t talk about it, but knew he couldn’t go

A: Were all present?

Yes, ppl who lived there went to tend to animals once or twice

A: Hill asked S abt bringing guns?

Talk about breaking detainees out idea:
A: Not something srsly planned for or discussed?

A: Do you remember saying “Hill or Donahue asked that Q?”

Objection – argumentative – will allow it
A: If agent wrote this would it be a lie?

No b/c I wasn’t sure

A: Food & water idea?

We talked about… don’t know if idea was to throw over

A: Meaning moved to – lets support ppl there?

A: You also told agents that when S said “won’t get arrested” & took this to mean flee

A: Thats what you understood?

A: on 8/25 do you remember talking abt this mtg?

A: In poster you saw – S said to share the poster with trusted ppl

A: You didn’t go to it b/c work?

I’m not a fan of driving so prob wouldn’t go regardless

A: If you told agents on 8/25 – memory was better then?

A: You talked to Seth in day

In morning, work things, personal things

A: At the time you didn’t stop & say its an ambush?

N
Not what it was?
At time that was my understanding

A: If after you left 7/3 meeting – you thought violence & shooting, you would have told Seth?

A: D&N admin?

A: All 200 ppl in chat:…
Know each other? – N
Agree on all thing’s? Not at all

Response team chat

Not meeting little creatures [?]
pg 54

A: Event… news comes out abt officer shot
& careflight?

A: Did you know condition? at time?

Assumed critical b/c careflight

A: Evt wife said “does this mean one of us
shot cop?” b/c it was not

N expected?

OBJECTION – calls for spec – Overruled

As far as I’m aware
A: Its [?] & Q? b/c no one knew?
No one knew what happened

A: You went to 7/3 gear check

A: Non violent demo planned at time?

J 11:10 – I’ve had to get on
several times… testifying…
ask questions

A: Would you agree sup fire means shooting
rifle several times

Sup fire means shooting in general
direction, not at, to duck & take
cover

A: Means of compliance w/o hurting someone?

As I understand … dealing w/and
shooting firearms is inherently dangerous
… chance for harm

A: We get in car – chance for harm?

Judge stops questions…

A: mention yellow vest, peacekeepers,
mitigate problems?

A: Aware S has been a Y vest?

N, did not know that
A: Been to a protest with him?
Y

A: What?

May day, less protest more speech forum [?]
A: Does your answer change?
I do not know

J: Are you confused at Q

Opl are in BB & sometimes you
don’t know

J ok – you mentioned protest so
didn’t know if confused

A: Purpose of BB is avoid dox? counter?

In all purposes when I wore BB
Yes

OBJECTION 11:15 – strike from record
testimonial

A: We’ve talked abt Finns place? Tell us what it is?

Galileo church created a place as
an offshoot bldg for LGBTQ members to
have a place

A: Stop the bleed training was EMS?

Y
A: This person worked emergency svs as
a job?
Y

A: Professional, not in an alley right?

A: You carry IFAK daily?

A: Can’t be a weapon

Y
Strictly to take care of someone if harmed?
Y

B [?] Uhaul

A: You understand in grps sometimes ppl
have hyperbolic convos?

A: What do you mean by “prepper”
I prep for food shortages, power outages,
winter storm

A: Self defense is part of prep?

N, enjoyed community

A: “S arrest line” meant going to ru [?]?

A: Agents asked & you said did not mean he
was going to get in shootout?

A: Next morning… detained you b/c looked sus?

Didn’t say specifically but wouldn’t let leave
without searching… my p-spray… Lynette gun…

A: Did you think you & Lynette looked similar?

I was wearing black with pink prints

A: Then let you leave?
Searched Lynettes car, she drove & then
let leave

Lets talk about interviews.
… 2 before plea deal?

… more after?

Met with ppl at table?

Y met with Smith to go over Q’s

A: S said someone needs to make noise?

A: You understood FNKS [?]?

Sometimes includes instruments, clapping
A: Have you been in noise demo b34 [?]?
Y

A: In Aug… you said was going to be
dangerous!… but bring guns? [?]

No
Statement always was about guns
A: If I play for you?

J: are you trying to impeach her or
refresh? she hasn’t contradicted
anything

A: You don’t remember S saying “we are
not doing anything dangerous but I
am not going to jail”

sounds familiar

A: Your thought was run?

A: Do you remember agents saying if you don’t
tell us truth you can forget deal -?

A: Asked about Antifa

Y
A: Consider yourself?
N
A: anti-fascist is not bad…. the word?
N
A: Do you remember asking agents “what do
you mean by Antifa”?
Y

A: Do you remember political line of Q’s.

A: Did it bother you? Did you feel like a [?]
persecution at that point?

please excuse me emotional
at time, felt political…. didn’t feel like
an extra step of persecution
gets kleenex

A: You had a good incentive to come in and
agree to deal with govt?

I suppose, yes

A: Do you understand…. if you say something
untrue… but they believe it… you get the
deal?

if I lie…. confusion

J: You understand despite govt deal
you have to tell the truth… understand
perjury….?

A: In first line, refer to friends as
Antifa cell

reading
A: Yes or No
Y

A: As of 6 mos ago, u didn’t know what
Antifa was?

we discussed antifascism as a political
movement
emotional 11:40

A: Can I ask you to close?

~~A: [illegible]~~
A: – 24 years old – Y
A: Been in 9 mos – 8
A: Detention is no fun? Correct
A: Uncomfortable? Correct

food not great? JoCo is superior to other
counties, but not
A: Told what to do all time? Correct
Not all nice? Staff? Others? Correct
15 years…. scary to think abt? “
A: Spent a long time in Cedar Hill? Y.
We’ve never come across each other?
A: Fair to say you were hesitant?
Y, choose my responses carefully

11:45 Am
A: Evarts has no idea what S or others
said in mtg?

Correct
A: Prosec has a role in –

Judge restate Q

A: Does P have a role in your sentencing?

A: You were looking at me & [?] Plem [?]?

A little of both

Judge: Does looking at anyone here
or audience affect testimony?

A: Tolbert
A: You believe Antifa to be a political mvmt

A: Not a membership?

N, not sign up like SRA
A: Antifa doesn’t have a membership role u
can ascribe to?
as far as I’m aware
A: You named ppl in this room to be Antifa mmbrs?
Y

A: Why would you say this?

understood this to mean…. those ppl
had anti fascist beliefs

A: Am I correct in say you had limited
interaction w/ SB? [?]

A: Assume based on interaction w/ Soto?

— ES —
A: ES was not at mtg?

Correct
A: You only met her once?
Y
A: Didn’t talk a lot?
N

— IS —
A: You only met Ines once? Y

Finns place? Y
Only interaction with him? Y
A: You knew Ines to be in DL [?] chat?
knew N to be in chat
A: Ur understanding of his beliefs from
chat?
Y

[circled] 31

A: Describe as anarchist? Diff b/ Antifa &
anarchy?

socialism, com, anarchy = wider
set of beliefs than just antifascist
Ex. pro choice/life → can also
be dem, Rep….. wider
Antifascist term from 1900’s, Fascist Germany

A: Anarchy = Self Governance
Y
Political sense → not about ppl running wild?
Y
About community
Y
A: Did anyone suggest that certain ppl were
antifa?
N
A: Your classif. of Ines Soto is only based
on D&N?
Y, Primarily
A: Anything else that goes into that?
N
12:00 lunch for
45 mins

BB AM (5 pages)

March 6 AM NOTES

Susan Kent – was arrested Aug 7 plead to providing material support for terrorism
factual resume: “on Around July 4 as a cell acting as antifa committed act of terrorism w/ intention to murder 2 police officers” – conspired to provide aid to this antifa cell

began dating Seth Sikes in 2021, moved in 2023
met Song December 2023
went to range days twice
(unclear word) 2 signal chats
interacted w/ the Sotos only once in 2024 @ self defense class lead by Song
did not know Des, didn’t know Mari was married
referred to Song as all pronouns
was part of the local chapter SRA onboarding committee
vetting process is political in nature
(thoughts on abortion, Palestine, cops, etc)
Song invited her to gear check
had private IRL convo w/ Song, Morris and a few others about protest & prairieland – Song said “we can take the place & free the people inside”
described suppressive fire over their heads to overwhelm & intimidate
there is a general disagreement
Song talks about stealing Uhauls & moving people from detention center
Hill asks “do we bring our guns?”
Song “yes. I’m not getting arrested”
not close friends w/ Song, not in his “inner circle”
Song showed Youtube video abt about “how to take over / clear a building”
Q “would you categorize Song as antifa?” Yes
“who else?”
Gibson, Sharp, Sikes, Ines Soto, Mari,
maybe Savannah based on relationship to Ines
txt from Sikes around 9pm July 4 “going dark”
Around 11:30 pm sees that Song changed signal name from “Champagne” to “delete”
Song requests to be removed from all the signal groups after shooting just as a precaution
Sharp creates “support response” group chat to look for / help people & protest
drive separately to prairieland
go to Johnson County jail & ask if Sikes was arrested
go back to Days Inn to form plan for jail support
Sharp gets signal txt around noon w/ maps of area: “I’m hiding in woods here can you pick me up? it will save my life”
Evetts wife reached out looking for Evetts so she was added to support chat
she came by Days Inn briefly
Juniper & Sharp went to pick up Song
Song in direct communication w/ Kent & Sharp
Song shaved eyebrows, blonde wig, in disguise
Kents to Song
in signal group chat Kent trying to get head count of who was @ protest / who missing
Kent recalling what Song said abt protest
-> people saw officers & ran back to wagon & woods. I saw officer w/ gun & we exchanged shots. I fired 30 or 40 rounds. Saw officer go down Song ran towards house, gun had a jam, tried to clear it, ran into woods
realized pepper spray burst & caused pain & he originally thought he had been shot
Q – would Song have kept firing if gun wasn’t jammed? → “probably”
Song said “I panicked. it was a panic situation”

Cross Examination:

Q: everyone was panicked bc this wasn’t part of the plan, correct? yes

has attended around 10-12 protests
Sikes often open carried bc “we live in Texas”
in signal chat everyone is trying to figure out what happened – Autumn says to not speculate, let’s wait until we hear more info
never been to a protest w/ Song before
stop the bleed training led by EMS worker
Q: you talk about things in hyperbole or a joking manner etc correct? yes
ie “the zombie apocalypse”
Q: you’re a prepper correct? yes
when they went to jail to look for people, detained & searched for 15 min before being released
when interrogated by police & asked if shes antifa, she said “there’s no one group called antifa, its just an umbrella term for being anti-fascist”
when being interrogated about beliefs did you think it was a “political persecution”
[starts crying]
“it seemed very political but I didn’t think it was an extra step of persecution”

Q: in your factual resume, you referred to your friends as an antifa cell, right?
yes
But as of 6 mo ago you didn’t know what antifa was, right?

we weren’t on the same page about what antifa meant (referring to police interrogation)
Everts not present @ gear check meeting
do you believe antifa is a political movement? yes
so you don’t sign up for a membership? correct, you don’t sign up
so when you say these people are members of antifa, what you really mean is they had a similar belief system or ideology, correct? yes
Liz not present @ gear check
only met Liz once
only met Ines once @ self defense class
Q: “how is anarchism & antifa diff?”
antifa is a response to fascism
Q: anarchism is about self determination correct? yes
Q: did anyone tell you they were an antifa member?
NO

BREAK FOR LUNCH

ES AM (20 pages)

3/6/2026 AM

Judge gave up sweets for lent but just realized he’s been eating candies
throughout the trial.
“I guess I better go to confession, for numerous reasons” – Judge Pittman

State’s Witness Susan Kent

lives 2858 Kennedale Street
w/ Seth Sikes
- arrested Aug 7, 2023
- plead guilty to providing material support for terrorism
- plea agreement includes pleading guilty to one charge in agreement
  that you will not receive more charges, 15 year max
- cooperation includes possibility of a lower sentence
- nothing has been promised
- factual resume – read aloud
- 2021 @ UTA Kent met Sikes
- they moved into together in 2023
- met Song in the summer of 2023
- SRA posted about a gun tell –
  educational/safety event re: gun use
- it was led by Song, Flores + Snow
- She went to 2 or 3 gun tells +
  2 range days. – training for (word cut off at end of page)
the range had tires as backstops
located S. of Dallas
only Sikes, Song + others. no other co-defendants were there
range safety, magazine loading safety, grip safety
joined “Discussion + News” chats
handle was Atreah or EZ
Sikes Signal was Wise or Wiseaw
Song’s was Champagne
mari’s handle was mari
Mr Evetts signal was John Val John
Champagne change it to delete
Did not know Savanna, Liz + Ines well
Saw them once at self-defense class @ Finn’s place
she had attended ~30 times
basic grappling, hand to hand combat
has attended stop the bleed training @ various place, most recently @ Finn’s
last training included an example of a firework expoding in the hands of-
Morris – Herald of the mad god – Shelby?
Autumnhill –
Champagne, John, Mari – referred to them this way in real life
Did not know Daniel
Did not know if mari had a husband
Sikes, Gardenia (Rebecca Morgan), Joy Gibson (Rowan) – Song’s partner,
any/all pronouns
Rowan – signal hemlock
Learned legal name after arrest [margin note: Seemed to learn a lot of the story/ legal names after arrest.]
John Thomas known as Juniper
learned Juniper + Song were roommates
Juniper was Treasurer in SRA
only interacted w/ them 3 times before arrest
SK was onboarding team for SRA
- communicates w/ National SRA
- role includes interviewing potential members re:
  - BLM
  - trans rights
  - when they’d call the cops
  - Palestine
  - etc.
Went to 56th St on July 3 for the 1st time
Maricela told her what an affinity group was – smaller group to help one another w/o going through an organization
Ex. If you ever need help with something, ex. power goes out, people can help
has not been in an affinity group during a protest + does not know how that
works
has protests in other protests, trans rights, antiICE, etc
normally wore long sleeves + jeans
later asked to wear black bloc
wore face coverings like covid masks b/c that’s when she started protesting
invited / asked to attend a gear check via DM
it was at BGH (Big Gay House)
in the conversation, she found out that Seth wouldn’t be there
she arrived at 9:30 – 10 pm
She brought her backpack, gasmask, shields for rubber bullets, firearm
it was an SRA event so she brought fire arm
had not been teargassed or shot at before
had trained for breaking people from group holds
dearresting? – it could be used for dearresting
part of self-defense class
had not learned additional fire + maneuver tactics
Song, Autumnhill, Morris, Gibson, Lucy, Gardenia + 2 others were present at
the gear check
thinks 5 people live at that house
it’s a little messy
rooms to the right
kitchen leads to game area
discussion began outside on the patio after leaving the phones inside so there’s no
record of the conversation
Song talks about PDC, ICE is getting worse, we have to do something
Go inside to see photos of PDC perimeter, guardshack, plans
she understood that a protest was going to take place so they were figuring out
Song said its easy as it gets
“Easy for what?” Kent says
to take people and get prisoners out involving shooting overhead for cover
disagreement about this
Autumnhill asks about if guns would be brought
Song replies “yes, I’m not getting arrested”
logistics of moving people discussed, stealing U-Hauls discussed
idea did not have popular support
decided that tomorrow, will not have anything like this
No discussion of yellow vests
“D+N” did include some discussion of yellow vests
yellow vests are like safety marshalls at protests
mixed attitudes towards yellow vests – some like it others say they’re just
there to protect property
back to gear check
“it would be suppressive fire, so shooting over there heads so people could get
out”
This idea was abandoned did not
speculates that this meant pushing people into van
mildly knows Song, friends but didn’t talk about people beyond activism
does not consider herself or Sikes as part of Song’s inner circle?
conversation: if things went really bad, where can we get supplies? food, water,
ammunition
Song pulls up youtube powerpoint video about taking a building from the perimeter.
Video about clearing a building. Did not mention firearms but she took it that way
that weapons would be
characterized Song, Gibson, Sikes, Slime, Ines as antifa
Anyone associated w/ Ines she assumed to have anarchist principles including Savanna + Liz
Explains ACAB that all police are part of a corrupt system. Good
cops get fired so everyone left is corrupt (bastards)
general talking + hanging out
Kent was working on the July 4 + did not plan to attend
She did not know the gear check was for the July 4 protest. She
found out when she got there.
Left around midnight after gear check
Did not discuss anything w/ Sikes – did not know if he’s going
9pm on July 4 Sikes texts “going dark” meaning he’s going to the protest
turning off his phone b/c he won’t be pinging cell towers
it’s general practice @ protests to keep your phone off/away
has heard of faraday bags
she made a faraday box w/ tin foil
SRA had discussed making them
after 11:30pm, after work, she reviews her signal chats + saw that Song had changed their name to “delete”
message 427, p69, Exhibit – Admitted
message re: Song changing their signal name
when someone changes their name, it updates updates in all chats
“guessing they’re probably okay, just as a precaution” we’ll remove
them and anyone else at protests from group chats
“D + N” – she was an admin
other chat was for Karaoke
removed Champagne from other groups + tried to find out who was there b/c
they didn’t know
she removed Sikes + Gibson
Lucy said Morris + Hill were there
debate over Ines being there
Objection – leading – overruled
Liz + Vanna not considered
John Val John
removed them from chats, did not delete messages
took about 20 min, spent 2 hours checking on people,
Kent + Lynette think about going down to Alvarado – create “support
response” group
Kent + Lynette decide to go down separately
got license plates from Lucy + descriptions of vehicles
looking for cars, it was something to do, they didn’t have a plan of what to do
signal
Signal Cat Eggs – Lucy – did not go to PDC but lives @ 56th St.
didn’t find anything
went to JoCo jail looking for Sikes w/ birthday
they were briefly detained + told they look suspicious because they are dressed similar to others
cargo pants + t shirt
gay bar shirt + yoga pants
Lynette gets a text from Song around 12
“I’m hiding out in the woods. Can you pick me up here. You’ll save my
life”
Evetts wife Janelle- dilemma on signal
Discuss contacting lawyers
John told me to talk to Song if anything went wrong. She saw Song went to delete
so she reached out to Atrean
She was in D + N group (200+ in group, people come + go)
Kent, Sharp, Biscuit, Kit, Snail decide to get a hotel room. They update her that they’re moving from Murphys to Days Inn. She stopped by to try to ask about lawyers, finding Evett’s cars.
Did not sleep. Kit + Snail are members of the SRA + friends of people who had disappeared.
They go + take pictures of area + scope out where would be the best
place to pick up someone
discussion: who’s actually going to pick Song up?
Lynette contacts Thomas who comes by
they didn’t want to because they knew they’d been seen at the jail
She suggested Song could fit in the truck +
Juniper + one other went to pick up Song
Song was connecting directly w/ Lynette + Kent
Doesn’t typically use Signal for calls but used it the night before for a group call
Kit picks up Lynette from Waffle House
Kit + Kent sleep on the 5th, goes home on the 6th
Lynette asks does she want to meet + talk to Song – she said yes + drove over to a shopping district – left her phone in the car
she saw Lynette + Song in the car. They see Song in disguise (shaved eyebrows, wig, mask) + they talk about what happened
everything fine – see prisoners
Mari, John + Song Objection – Asked + Answered – overruled
BREAK
10:00am Break called when witness’s memory need to be refreshed.

Key takeaways

Idea to break out prisoners was floated at the gear check but quickly abandoned due to disagreements. It was decided not to do that.
Kent classified 5 people as antifa.
Kent went to Alvarado worried looking for Sikes + wanting to make sure all protestors were okay. Also removed ppl from groups. Did not know what happened at that time.

Witness is reviewing evidence binder waiting for the judge to enter

State’s witness continued Susan Kent

Exhibit 161 P3 – message
“I’m assuming this is a discussion of who was there + who wasn’t
there”
P5 – message that mentions Evett’s wife + Lucy

Luster – rule 106

Admitted
They guessed that there were 8 people there
Wendilemma is Evetts wife
Lucy
Song tells what happened: People had moved down the fence + Song saw the officers,
everyone ran back to the cart / a long fence. I saw

officer had a gun, so I got my rifle. We traded shots. Song said 30-40
shots were exchanged

Objection – leading – Sustained

Song thought they had been shot, saw the officer went down
Ran toward a house gun jammed, tried to clear it, didn’t work, threw the rifle to the ground + ran to the woods
had showed how to clear a pistol before
after he ran to the woods, he was not shot. but he thought he got hit in the leg. It was his pepper spray exploding
“We traded shots + the officer went down”

Objection-speculation-overruled

Thinks Song would have kept firing if his gun didn’t get jammed
Song to Sikes we’re running?
Sikes went to tell the other we’re running
Song didn’t think Sikes escaped
Song said he panicked
Arranged for Morgan to come back
She did + Song recounted the same story
Asked Morgan if they could stay at their place
She said Idk I’ll have to think about it + They all went their separate ways
Song’s discussion was not discussed + Kent did not take Song anywhere

Cross ex by Luster

re: it was a pannicked situation
Becase this was not the plan, as far as I know
plead guilty for helping Song after
re: gear check – IFAK’s brought, she previously received training about
IFAKs w/ SRA at Finn’s
does not know about Autumn Hill’s membership status in SRA
IFAK trainings were for all injuries
encouraged to carry daily
protested at women’s rights, abortion, attended in 10-12 in the last 4 years
Did not carry a weapon but Sikes did. He carried a pistol everywhere “because Texas,
its an open carry state”
During the gear check, the people who lived there left the meeting to go tend to the dogs
Hill asked Song if they should bring guns
Extreme idea posed, it was immediately shot down + not planned for or discussed.
September 10 – meeting w/ Prosecutor or agent Hill or Donahue
wrote it could have been Hill or Donahue
not a lie b/c she wasn’t sure
alternative idea proposed at gear check: throw food + water over the fence
decided on making noise to let detainees know they were there
support people who were there? yes
Told agents that Song was willing to flee rather than go to prison.
After the meeting, went home to Kennedale.
They had not discussed the protest w/ Sikes between the gear check + the noise demo
Re: Signal chat was regarding posters – instructed to share
She did not go b/c of work + also because she didn’t like driving
Aug 25 – interview agents
spoke to Sikes about the protest in the morning. – Never told him not to go because it was an ambush – b/c it wasn’t
Cleburne Talk facebook group, Media on CBS or similar that someone was
careflighted
She would have told Seth if she thought it was going to be violent
Re: Admin in “D + N” – people can come + go
not all people knew each other
Did everyone agree w/ one another? “Not at all”
exhibit 161 – “response group” chat formed after the protest
not beating a little creature allegation (Autumn Hill) is in the group
No one knows what’s going on + trying to figure out
Saw someone was carelifted but didn’t know who it was, protestor or officer
P54 – lots of frantic discussion before finding out an officer was shot
Dilemma wonders who shot the cop – thank goodness it wasn’t one of us but does that mean someone shot a cop
Ms Hill doesn’t know what happened

Cross ex by A Hayes

re: July 3 gear check – plan was a peaceful noise demonstration
suppressive fire to make noise / she understood that it meant shooting in the general direction
it was a method used to gain compliance w/o hurting anyone?
always a risk
so is driving a car, right? yes
[margin note: messed] – re: protest
re: yellow vest – did not know Song’s been a yellow vest
attended MayDay forum
does not know if ever been

to a protest with Song

should not have recognized them in black to protect from being doxxed
dual purpose – covid + covering face so no one know who they are
like ICE?

objection

Finn’s place – Galileo church’s member died of down syndrome – made a
community in his a-
Stop the Bleed was an ETS professional
it was a professional training
there’s a number of ways to get hurt at a protest (fireworks, counter protesters)
carries IFAK daily
gear check – idea of stealing U-hauls to free people – did not happen. No action planned to do that
had discussed hyperbole + planning for the end of the world + the zombie apocalypse
She’s a prepper in the sense that she prepares for natural disasters
No one was going to get shot?
“I’m not going to get arrested” meant flee but law enforcement tried to get her to say that Song meant he was going to get into a shootout with police.
standard practice to turn off phone
they detained her + Lynette at sheriff’s office
they searched their car
black tshirt w/ bright pink dental teeth on them
said Song told them that they were on the fenceline near a prisoner door
2 interviews with law enforcement prior to the plea deal + has met w/ them since including Mr. Smith to discuss the questions he might ask her
somebody needs to do something + someone needs to make some noise. Clapping, drumming, yelling, bullhorns
would it help to refresh her recollection if provided w/ a video
quote previously taken out of context – “it won’t be dangerous, there won’t be anything dangerous, but I won’t be going to jail” (approx)
officer told her that she’d be 99 years in prison
“Champagne was just conjecturing about the ideas” – “hypothesizing, throwing out ideas”
She’s not a big fan of police
“Kill yourself pigs” was her phone password
Do you consider yourself antifa?
No
“Is antifascism a bad thing?” I don’t think so
“What are you describing as antifa police?”
Hayes recalls political questions asked to Kent by agents
“Did you feel like it was political persecution?” It was already bad, this
didn’t make it extra bad
Factual resume – DSI came back that you’d be looking at 30 yrs to life
Has incentive to testify
Is anything you sent untrue? Perjury reminder
In the first line, you referred to your friends as an antifa cell
You clarified when you were asked if you were antifa. Wanted to be on the
same page + communicate clearly.

Cross-x by A. McClain (Evetts)

were you reading?
DOB 2002 – 24 years old in Jan in detention
9 months / 8 months in jail
detention is no fun. it’s very uncomfortable.
Food is not great
You’re told what to do all the time
Staff + detainees are not very nice
possibility of 15 years there is very scary
Spent long time in Cedar Hill
Noticed hesitations when answering the prosecutor, yes?
July 3, is he was invited on the 2nd.
Rowan, Juny, Shelby + others, but not Mr. Evetts
Kent has met Evetts + has been a guest in his home
Did not have knowledge of what Song or anyone said then
re: a Hayes question. Do you understand this process? The prosecutors have a role in decision making in your sentence
were you looking at anyone in the audience or prosecutor while testifying? yes
Judge will

Cross ex Tolbert

believes an antifa to be a political movement
not an organization w/ a membership role like the SRA
Mr. Smith asked you to identify members of antifa.
if you do not understand it to be an org, why did you name those people?
She meant that they had antifascist beliefs
does not know Batten well

Cross ex A Burns

Liz was not at gear check
She’s only met Liz once before and they didn’t really talk

Cross ex At. Davis

Only met Ines one time at self defense class
Knew “N” (Ines) in “D + N”
knowing Ines’ ideas is only from chat comments
What’s the diff between anarchism + antifascism? Antifascism is a reaction to fascism. Anarchism considers a wider range of topics.
Antifa is a narrow reaction to an overreaching gov? No, there’s a documented history of using antifascism since 1900s Nazi Germany. Anarchism is more aligned to self-determination not everything running wild.
Was not prompted to identify certain people?
Classification of Ines as antifa was based on his comments in D + N chat

Lunch Break

RR AM (6 pages)

03/06

8:34 – Judge enters court resumes.
Kent on stand. Sworn in. Establish relationship to [?] ties [?]
Arrested Aug 7.
Details plea deal, Testifying for a lower sentence.
Alleges plea that antifa cell conducted an act of terrorism Jul. 4
& attempted murder of police. Kent does not identify as antifa.

Kent arranged transport & housing for “coconspirator” 1
18 USC 114 was attempted to avoid by moving Song around
Recalls meeting Song 2023 SRA gun n’ tell led by Song & others
Attended “Range” days to practice shooting w/ Sikes, Song, et. al.
Identified Sikes, Mori, Epps, Song, Ines on Signal
Discussed self defense & stop the bleed events
Prosecution tries to tie example of fireworks wound treatment as precedent for Jul. 4
Didn’t know Des. Knew Rowan. Knew J. Thomas
Was part of SRA onboarding. Questions political in nature
Discussed 56th st house. Only been there once
Affinity group. Small group explained by Rueda as direct aid in times of power outages, emergencies, food shortages, etc
Judge extremely done with this
Wears black bloc at some protests

Participation on Jul. 3 Gear check

Song reached out at Jul. 2 through Signal DM
Gear check at Big Gay House
Brought IFAK, firearm, rubber bullet shield, gas masks
Discussed de-arresting taught by Song
Identified Song, Autumn, Morris, Gibson, Lucy, Morgan @ gear check.
Alleges Song says they can take the detention center by using covering fire & free people captive
“General disagreement” with Song. Jurors look concerned
Discussed stealing U-hauls to move people
Hill asks “do we bring our guns” Song says “Yes I’m not getting arrested”.
Jurors are engaged w/ this testimony
They watched a video about clearing a building
Classified Song, Gibson, Sikes, Ines, Savannah, Liz, Mori as Antifa
ACAB for the zillionth time
Jul. 3rd
Message from Song “going dark” 9 P.M.
Faraday bags to avoid being tracked

Jul. 4th

Song changes Signal name to Delete
Kent messages Song inquiring meaning of change
Removed Song & Prairieland defendants from multiple Signal groups.
Contacted Sharp through a new group on Signal
Drove down to help Jul. 5
Jul. 5
Looking for vehicles to inform family/friends
Decided to inquire at JoCo
Went to JoCo to find Sikes. Detained because they “looked suspicious”
Went to Murphy USA to discuss fundraising/jail support
Song DMs Sharp @ noon for a pickup
Got a DM from Evetts wife
Decided to get a hotel room to wait until dark
Contacted Thomas to help pick up Song
Jul. 6
Went home in the morning, met w/ Song evening
20 minute break
Describes Song recollecting nights event July 4
Song fired 30-40 times, gun jammed
Abandoned rifle & ran into woods
Couple jurors are engaged & disturbed
Song met with Sikes and told him to run. Panicking.
Song asked to stay at Kents house
Prosecution rests
Cross Examination
Asks why it was a “panicked” situation
Establishes affinity group as a “surrogate family”
Attended several protests wearing black even during daytime
Sikes carried firearm @ protests w/ no intent to use specifically
Attacking & freeing inmates was not seriously discussed
Asked if the FBI agent would lie on the report.
Established Kent didn’t warn Sikes because it wasn’t intended to be dangerous
Evetts wife was unaware of the nature of events
Hayes Cross Examination
Establishing suppressive fire not intended to harm
Jury frustrated with objection establishing intent.
Establishing black bloc to not be doxxed or harassed
Objection to comparison to ICE agents wearing masks for anonymity
Establishing IFAK as a preventative safety measure carried often w/out violent intent
Established the meeting & testimony of breaking out inmates as musings rather than intent
Established intent of “making noise” not assault
Law enforcement interview w/ Kent escalated & mentioned “deal is off”. Jury uncomfortable.
Asking if Kent felt politically persecuted during interview. Jury uncomfortable. Engaged.
If Kent says something untrue & prosecution believes truthful she still gets plea deal. Jury very engaged. Judge asked if all truthful. Said “yes”.
Next Cross Examination
Kent kept reading from something during testimony
Evetts not present during gear check Jul. 3
Kent admitted to looking at prosecution bench during testimony. Jury interested.
Next Cross Examination
Antifa understood to be a political movement, not organization
If antifa does not have membership, why identify individuals?
- More identifying individuals w/ ideology
  Next Cross Examination
Never met Liz Soto
Next Cross Examination
Didn’t meet Ines Soto at gear check or in person
Established differences in Antifa vs. Anarchism

LR AM (7 pages)

10:40

P – Why didn’t Song go back to his house instead
of Morgan’s House? When you were in the car
with him?
Witness – M. Ho[?] W – Understood Song had a place to stay, but did
not discuss

2 Witness asked if panic was b/c
they did not know what was happening. Witness confirmed

Asked about gear check meeting, IFAC kits training.
SRA hosting classes.
Witness confirmed first aid training was for
injuries for fireworks and any injury.

Asked about other protest Witness has been to.
10-12 in past 4 years. As
Sax or Seth? → Seth Witness said Seth had a pistol he carried
everywhere “b/c Texas”

(Back to Subject of Meetings)
Sometimes people would leave meetings to tend
to their dogs.
P – During the meeting there were discussion of “freeing
the inmates” by Song. Rest of the group
shut that down

W – Yes

10:53

Cross Exam –
D At Meeting was there idea of throwing food
& water over fence?
W – Yes.
Meeting moved to trying to support people who
were there

During meeting, Witness confirmed Song's quote
that Song was not going to jail, meant he
planned to flee

10:59 Early on July 4th, Witness saw post on
Signal about noise Demo. Witness said
she did not go because she doesn’t like driving

Witness talked to Seth throughout the day but
confirmed she did not expect/plan
for it to be a planned ambush

Witness confirmed if she thought it would be a
violent protest/ambush, she would have told Seth
not to go

(Discussion moved to Signal chat)
Witness confirmed 200+ people are usually in the
chat & not everyone agrees on everything

11:03

(Evidence shown on screen, in FW about Response group,
Dallas cannot see)

Someone got careflighted somewhere, Witness said
her group did not know who. Was browsing news
trying to find information regarding it.

(Page 54 of chat) Became clear an officer got
shot. Someone in chat questioned if one of them shot the
cop. Witness confirmed the chat was surprised.
[margin note: Quote from Signal Chat] Hill quote “It’s better to not
discuss it while waiting in ambiguity”

Witness confirmed Song mentioned a situation of
suppressive fire would be a good way to [illegible] (I missed this)

Witness did not know Song wore a yellow vest
at previous protests. Confirmed she went to
a May Day speaking event with Song.
Said she did not go to a “protest” with him since
he may have been in black bloc

11:14 Discuss Jay Gibson & Finn’s Place

Witness – Finn’s Place was a section of [illegible] Collective Chu[?]

11:16

for LBGTQ community. Witness went for some
trainings (professional trainings for first aid.)

Gear Check
There was talk of bringing Uhauls to move
detainees out of the facility. Witness confirmed it
did not happen. Witness spoke on doomsday prep &
joking discussions with Song about zombie survival prep.

Witness recalled general consensus during gear checks
was that no one wanted to shoot anyone

Witness confirmed Faraday bags & turning off
phone was general OPSEC practice for her at
protests

11:23 [illegible]

Witness Interviews w Law Enforcement Prior to Plea Deal

Witness met with Smith to discuss what happened
Witness recalled Song saying “Someone has to make some noise”
[margin note: (Some confusion here, to me it did not seem her statements were contradictory)] Witness’s Statement contradicted? her statement
in August. Said they never meant harm with bringing
guns.
– Said the August statement was, were not doing anything
dangerous with guns, but I’m not going to jail

[LE]
During interview w Law Enforcement.
Law enforcement said, if she’s not being truthful
she will spend 99 years in prison

Discuss Beliefs during LE int.
Talked about her political beliefs, Witness recalled
LE asking political questions.

[margin note: (Witness appears very distressed)] Discussed Plea deal incentives
Witness confirmed** saying what the gov wants
would help her.
**[margin note: Seemed like Witness confirmed this] (Judge reminded witness she must tell the truth
no matter what the gov said previously.)

11:36 Discuss potential contradictions of labeling
“her friends” an Antifa cell during int with LE

New Examiner
Def? Discuss Day for noise Demo.
Song inv Witness to the “Big Gay House” meeting
11:45

Asks if Witness was looking at Prosecutors during
Questioning. Witness confirms yes and understands their
effect her sentencing

Chris Howell[?] – (Questioning abt Antifa)

Witness understands Antifa does not have a
membership/role you can subscribe to, like SRA

Recall of Smith questioning when Witness named
individuals in crowd as members of Antifa

Witness said/corrected saying she meant political
ideology of antifa

Witness said she believed Ms. Baton? [?] was
antifa b/c she was affiliated w someone else

New Examiner
Lee Douglas Def for Soto
Witness only meet Soto once at self defense
Witness’s understanding of Soto’s beliefs only come
from Signal chat. Lee questions how Soto’s
anarchist beliefs correlate with him being antifa.
Witness said she assumed Soto was antifa
in the same way she assumes pro-choice people are
leftist/socialist.

11:58
Lunchbreak Key Takeaways!
Resume @ 12:45

Defense focused on getting witness to define
what Antifa/anti-fascist is. And finding
contradictions in witness’s potential belief that it
is not a membership, but she named members
Witness Ms. Kent was very distressed during
questioning. Seemed like defense was
probing her to see if Ms. Kent was answering to
benefit her plea deal.

AJ PM

3 p.m. March 6th, 2026. Juniper is suspiciously calm and collected. Judge issues an FYI, the last witness given the weather and doesn’t want to prejudice the trial.

Cross examination begins.
Juniper spoke to attorney on break and attorney only.
Defense let me know if I talk too fast and brings up binary trigger. Juniper does not recognize a female shooter in the video previously shown. Juniper finds binary hard to control and recoil stacks up.
Defense claims that Juniper has different variations. Juniper says maybe.

Defense. First met law on July 12th. Juniper confirms the arrest date of July 10th and first interaction with law enforcement on July 12th.
Defense. Song was dehydrated and sick and that’s where you got your information. Did Song say he shot after the officer drew his weapon? Juniper, correct.
Defense. Song pulled after police drew weapon.
Juniper. I’ve only spoken with Song the day of arrest.
Juniper. I was hoping for no federal charges.
Defense. If not had fifteen years cap, you would be at 30 to life. Juniper. Assumed Johnson County would dismiss charges, was told federal court would get back on dropped charges.
Defense if you cooperate. Juniper. Impression was that if I cooperate, state charges would be less severe.

Defense brings up Faraday bag. This question is skipped.

Defense. Do you recall who drew and who shot.
Judge stops inquiry. Judge. It’s better to be clear. Judge is becoming irritable.
Defense. This is the second time the law asked. Judge, who is law enforcement? Juniper. I’m not sure who. FBI? Johnson County?
Defense. You were brought in for a second interview. Juniper. I was told if I did not cooperate, it would be devastating.

Defense. Did officer draw first? Did Song intend harm?
Juniper asked about suppressive fire. Juniper confirmed Song wanted to use suppressive fire. Juniper couldn’t remember who was Antifa.
Juniper added Sanchez recently, says he was on the same page as Dez. Is this Des?
Defense, have you seen video? Juniper no.
Defense, what happened? He doesn’t know.
Defense, have you been shown reports?
Juniper only knows people there and only knows information from people there, the news and the law.

Defense. Did you take self-defense classes with Song? Juniper, no.
Defense. Are you aware Song does defense and are you aware that defense is to keep people safe? Juniper, yes.

Song shooting the ground inquiry ruled inappropriate. Judge is getting irritable.
Defense told us SRA is an NGO. Juniper, yes.
Defense. It was an organization strictly defense. Did this organization strictly uphold the law? Juniper, yes.
Defense, can I have clarity? Juniper, it’s explicitly legal.
Defense, everything SRA puts out is legal. Juniper, yes.

The roster of members is brought up and Juniper confirms.
Defense, does this roster have email and other information.
Defense. Evetts appears on there.
Defense. Real name, email, personal information, address. Juniper, yes. Juniper. Ensured accuracy and kept it tight. Then the SRA, the socialists dislike the rifle people, then the rifle people dislike the socialist.
Defense. Was this a second amendment group similar to NRA? Juniper, SRA and NRA are similar.
Defense. SRA is a proper Second Amendment law-abiding group. Juniper, yes.

Defense. Concerned that SRA worried that right wing would get info and dox members.
Defense. Black bloc, no ID so that right wingers cannot attack or send SWAT cars to your house. Juniper, yes.
Defense. Because SRA fears being doxxed, correct? Juniper, yes.
Defense. Right wing attacks, SWAT, and doxing has occurred. Juniper, yes. People can be doxxed.
Defense. You made a list and gave it to the law. You violated privacy obligations. Juniper, I asked for a warrant.
Defense. Did you keep this list to protect folks? Juniper, yes.

Defense. Asks for prior experience with black bloc. Juniper, yes, he’s worn black bloc.
Defense, is this common? Black bloc is not unusual? Juniper, no.

Defense. July 29th interview. Was inquired about black bloc and tactics and firearms. Are these things normal? Do you remember this testimony?
Juniper said this is not unusual.

Defense. Brings up homeless encampment.
Juniper confirms Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club defended the encampment.
Defense. Council to the EFJBGC protected the encampment and the council that was sent by the city broke up and left.

Defense. Hayes questions everything you know was told by law. Juniper confirms law is the media. Defense. Far as people there was a no. Juniper. Plan was noise demonstration. Strike no, no is noise demonstration. Juniper only knows what law told him and this includes the media.
Defense. Really, what Smith had you read was all you know. Juniper confirms no knowledge in that he read a government testament. Juniper. So the law drafted this testimony. Juniper confirmed the law drafted testimony.

Defense. Why was there not an Antifa terrorist cell recorded in a similar format to the SRA.
Brings up the July 29th reference and indicates that no one was identified as Antifa. Johnson County Detective O’Reilly and others coerce statement possibly. Juniper doesn’t recall saying that and confirms no one identifies themselves as Antifa. Juniper. Rattles off SRA and EGBC names on July 29th. Juniper. Pauses July 29th. Clayton.

Defense. What is Antifa to you? Juniper. The opposite of fascism.
Defense. Have you met Murray twice? Juniper, yes.
Have you had a conversation? Juniper, no.
Defense. Did you refer to these as Antifa before the arrest? Juniper, no.
Defense. You referenced Dario, not Des. Juniper, correct.
Defense. Have you met Dez? Juniper. No. Prosecution interrupts.

Defense. Song expresses binary less accurate. Is this true or not? Juniper, I’m not sure.
Defense. Have you shot a binary trigger? Juniper, yes. It has less control and is a little less accurate. Juniper, the version of media given by the law is biased to the law.
Are you skeptical? Yes. Is your primary source Song? Yes.

Pulls up SRA list.
Juniper was in a very large chat and was informed.
Defense, there’s an objection and it’s overruled. J
uniper is asked by the defense, do you understand them digitally and personally? Juniper indicates that this is the same thing. Then the SRA list is brought up. Juniper explains the list, what is in it, names, address, and who and when members joined. Juniper maintains the list and it came from National SRA.
Juniper is asked, is this a list for Antifa? Juniper says no.

Judge declares trial over for the day due to incoming storms. The government will start Monday at 8:30 and is intended for the prosecution to close on Tuesday. Judge wants the trial to be finished by next Friday.

LR PM (3 pages)

3/6
1:02 PM
Prosecution Questioning:
Witness: Bristen Gilpin
JOCO Correction Officer (10 yrs)
Booking Corporal

Ben Song told to stand & see if witness recognizes, witness confirms she booked him into jail
Exhibit 208
(Song’s fingerprints shown on screen)
(Evidence 208 Admitted)

Only machine prints for fingers are on card. No ink prints were done (by-hand ink prints)

1:17

Witness: John Thomas
Arrested July 10th
Plead guilty to count of supplying terrorist

Witness Worked out deal to drop charges with JOCO

1:26 Thomas met Song (them) in 2021 or 2022 at an outreach event. Became roommates in Feb 2022.

1:30 Discuss weapons & body armor & IFAK’s at Thomas & Song’s apartment

 Thomas was aware Song had AR-15 w binary trigger

 [Exhibit 177, Admitted. SRA membership info]

3/6 2

1:46 (video showing shooting at firing range, supposedly binary trigger being heard in video)

 Thomas - never interacted with Soto or Sanchez

 Thomas talks about M4 John Brown Gun club, says it was an LGBTQ pro-armed protect group.
Says Ben Song & Megan Morris was in the club

Firearms 

Exhibit 141 shown to Thomas, Notes from his previous statement regarding antifa members he named to the gov. (Exhibit shown to recall his memory)

 Thomas could not recall who he named until the exhibit was shown

Thomas named Ben Song, Megan Morris, Molly, Gibson, Sikes, Felts, Sanchez
→ (Prosecution nudges Thomas to include
naming Autumn Hill as well)

Thomas claims after the shooting, Song changed their name to “DELETE” to Signal Thomas and others to begin security protocols

Thomas recalls convo w Song after shooting Thomas says Song told him the fireworks were shot at & over the facility, someone named John Bell John was slashing tires

3/6 3

2:20 When the police officer arrived and stepped out his car, the sound of the tire popping / being slashed spooked the officer into taking out his gun. Thomas then recalled Song saying Song fired toward the officer once the officer’s gun was drawn.

Thomas says Song said he then shot suppressive fire at other officers

Court Recess 2:34

MJ PM (13 pages)

P or PAtty – Prosecutor
D or DAtty – Defense
3/6/26 PM W or Wtns – Witness

On stand: Artec [sp?]
PA → Exhibit 160 pg 9 61 pg 19 [?]

Do I need to remove anyone from anywhere else.
I dunno who else went
Do I need to take them out anywhere?
Headcount for removal from signal – group
Seth’s “Foxglove”
~~castle~~ [?] Lucy – one of my ppl came back dropped creature [?]
off by crew that bounced when cops came – ~~kill~~ [illegible]
Champagney Foxglove Hooded [illegible] Moki (sp) still
out Scanty [?]

→ “How many of our ppl are left after 1st group left”

P Attny – Did you know anything abt Prairieland?
Wtns – Not before 3rd → described as easy target,
poorly manned, a “training run” by Song
P Attny – Did Song discuss security
Wtns – Yes (details given including shack unmanned)
P Attny – So no further planning you a part of.
Wtns – No
P Attny – Describe your understanding of noise demonstration
Wtns – to make noise to disrupt and our part: pans,
noisemaking speakers… etc
P Attny – Ever used fireworks or noise demonstrations?
Wtns – No. Seemed to be another group
P Attny – You bring or see wpn/armor?
Wtns – None

P Attny – Song: “I’m not going to jail” – their res in
response to question for bringing rifle
Wtns: Yes
P Attny – Early on were threatened ~~several~~ [?] dealing w/
Johnson county attny, yes 99 yrs → life
Wtns – Yes
P Attny – Your agreement is w/ fed gov but not DA right
Wtns – Yes
Judge – excused witness

Next Wtns – Officer Gorbin [?] ~~est~~ @ Galpin County [?] @ Johnson ~~county~~ Jail
At July 4th we booking corporal – Fingerprints mugshots DNA
at [illegible] Attny had Song stand, had witness witness
positively ID Song
P Attny BAIS Moved to include as evidence
pg 1
Obj – objections pg 2 pgs extraneous material also on
Pros – No objection to leaving off pg [illegible] pg 2
not shall [?] mr extraneous not from pg 1
Judge clears jury
Pros will not publish to jury until redacted
Judge – it we’d that let’s get 2nd page too [?]
Judge “gonna like a waste of time” used
D Attny cross witness – asked abt what fingerprints taken, if ~~and~~
scan or ink (used entry scan)

Next Witness – Thomas
Arrested 7/10/25
Plead material
PAttny – Exhibit 181 → ~~pled~~ Guilty to providing ~~and~~ support
to terrorists, cannot get sentenced higher than 15yrs

Agreement
States no add’l charges will be filed
P Attny – and agree to cooperate
And this is also contains your interview, and government
MAY ~~get~~ for reduced sentence
W – Johnson County will dismiss charges later but has
not yet

Witness agrees facts of confession are true
Wtns – ~ 7/4/25 an Antifa cell conducted a
terror attack incl. attempted murder of police officers
in attempt to intimidate retaliate against gov’t
Thomas did not know of specific protest & was
not at present, learned someone shot a police officer and
conspired to help escape incl. picking up and driving
him then purchased clothing, then transferred
him to another co-conspirator.
PAttny – we’re talking abt Song → when did you meet them
Wtns – ~ 2022, distributed food churches camp in Dallas,
was roommates ~ 3/2022 in Oak Cliff also w/ Jay
Gibson (Portland). On signal my most recent name was
“Roy come get this cat” alias Juniper & lemon/lemonade [?]
Song went by Bubble : Champagney referred to Song as Bubble
: Gibson as Rowland We did have wpns “variety of firearms” “number of AR15s”
“several PKs [?]” “a .22 cal rifle” “Body armor – at least 1 set
each” “no gas masks” “did have IFAKs 2-3”
Was on Staff as secretary “update membership rules, meeting
minutes” kept on spreadsheet
P Attny – Exhibit 177 – spreadsheet
Had Wtns ~~list~~ list events incl. range days, gun n drill,
social events … etc

[margin note: text visible through page from other side – ignored]

Wtns – went to range days more often than not
PAttny – Who was primary instructor
Wtns – No primary but some were engaged
Finnerup [sp?], Corona [?]
PAttny – tell us more abt binary triggers & did Song have one
Wtns “explains trigger, has seen Song shoot it on
private occasions”
P Attny – Back to Exhbt 177
Wtns – this is membership roll as of 6/25
PAttny – this is accurate
Wtns – appears to be
Column A = call w/ name Column B = name on file
really Column C = membership # Column D = good or expired ~~mark~~
or not paid Column E = ~~mark~~ Rank Column F = expiration month
current/
expired H = Zipcode I = county J = state K = pronouns
P Attny – enters Exhibit 177 L = local or national only
M = chapter membership
N = NDA on file y/n
Column O = Probation (provisional or full member) P = Notes
P Attny – Which voting were you involved
Wtns – Not really
PAttny Column A Line 176 who is that
W – Zach Evarts joined 8/21 [?]
W – Benjamin Song was only active member, Morris pract member [?]
P – Had Morris been to range day? Evarts
W – He Morris not since 24 Evarts not as often as Song,
Song shot pistol + rifle [?]
→ Video played of person firing binary trigger AR15 Was ID’s
as belonging to Song

                                            I had

Wtns – Song had 4 AR15s ~~Street~~ 7 & was building
another Gibson had a HCR and AR
Morris ~~Work~~ [illegible] have multiple things usually social calls [?]
Also lived there was Autumn Hill, Stephanie, Stu [illegible], Lucy
Morris’s brother, Taylor, Laurent
called “Gay house” (??)
P Attny – did you have
Wtns – a few times : w/ social occasions : cards [?]
P Attny – did you know Soto or Sanchez
Wtns – No
PAttny – Tell us abt EPJBGC
Wtns – Leftist DFW group doing armed protest over
LGBTQ+ : hometown rights
Many but not all members were in SRA
but groups were independent
JBGC less concerned w/ following law, SRA
Very Strict
Morris & Song were in JBGC
P Attny – You said you met ppl aligned w/ Antifa
Wtns – Yes
P Attny – Do you recall who?
Wtns – Not off top of my head
PAttny – #141 (refers to [?] Thomas’s interview)
pg 66 pls read – who were antifa members
Wtns – Song, Morris, Gibson, Daniela [?], Shoes [?], Faultley [?], Dorna [?],
Autumn
P Attny – why did you associate Thomas aligned w/ Antifa
Wtns – From personal conversations

Q – Did you know abt Providence on 7/3 – 7/4
W – No. May have had notion of something but nothing specific
Q – You had prior engagement
W – Pet sitting 6/29 – 7/7
V – communicated mostly always on Signal

didn’t know anything on 7/5 [?] from internet news
learned from Discord not sure which one only that
protest gotten out of hand, police shot, several arrests
In the morning did not think what heard was correct,
have Morri, Ohmally [?] other arrested [?]
called Lucy to check on them & ask if needed
anything, learned Autumn had gotten home
Lucy is a “biological mom”
Group chat to support ppl arrested, used handle “Roy” [?]
tried to figure out how may [?] apply lochany [?]
charges
Got text from signal abt going to Cleburne Days Inn
“Susan” [?] and Silvers [?] known via SRA
[?] category [?]
Song changed Signal name to DELETE on 7/4 did
not know why – requested being removed from signal chats
Thomas compiled from 2 signal chats
Went to room #, told in contact w/ Song, made a
plan to get him, I agreed to go – Eye [?] the Sleep [?]
Known Sharp “couple” Y [?], been to 3-4 range
days
went to picking lot of [?] off 67 waited
picked Song up on side of road ~ 2300-0030 [?] 7/5
Song dehydrated, needed help into car
Dropped Sharp @ Waffle House
~~Sharp~~
Decided not to take ~~Sharp~~ Song to Sharp’s
due to Song’s emotional security concern
Took Song to place Thomas was pet-sitting
home owner was only friend of Thomas
Felt going to their own apartment was not safe
at this place Song showered, was given clothes,
no conversation abt what happened, body slept there
Next day bought Song clothes @ Walmart
Sharp came over, Thomas bought some supplies
incl. wig, hat (disguise), food, cooking pot
Song gave run-down to Sharp & Thomas at apt
after they all got burner phones left in Murfreesboro [?]
Song stated went there to make noise
shooting fireworks, since ppl got in fence & vandalized
(Jean Valjean [?] slashed tires)
Police arrived they were startled by
pepper [?] fire, police went for gun – Song shot him
Said Song shot officer, then “suppressing fire”
towards others
After shooting dropped rifle & ran, felt
burning in leg was pepper spray in pocket
Song said gun jammed
Bought rifles & body armor, fireworks
Thomas has protested w/ Song at least 10 times
Not unusual to bring rifles or pistols. Armor
occasionally, IFAKs typical
Detras [?] black block to cover identifying features
gray black dressing conventionally, trying
not to be noticed
(on vandalism/destruction of property) – generally
if wearing black bloc you would be comfortable
Nothing about using firearms from Song to attack
or intimidate
Song has talked about using firearms for
matching force
Song has negative view of PD
P Atty – Ever used fireworks at protest or at night
Wtns – No. Is problematic using them to shoot towards
fed facility
P Atty – Fireworks are explosives?
Wtns – Yes
D Atty – Objection Relevance – Overruled

Wtns – Song didn’t mention any other names was told
by Thomas Gibson had been arrested. Gibson is Song’s
partner, Song did express concern, no specifics

Asked abt no one else @ scene
Song says he ran into woods, kept running to field of
wildflowers stayed there most of time, was not seen by
helicopter or drones. Crawled or ran when he left
After this conversation tried to figure out what he did,
contacted Rebecca Morgan/ Geechonie [?] to try to go
back to her apt. Song + Sharp left several hours,
Sharp brought Song back ~ 2200. Sharp left. Song
had a pistol
Next day Thomas went for lunch, told Song
he needs to leave b/c around he was selling [?] was
rehearsing [?]. Contacted Sharp, met in parking lot Coban [?] Depot
Song was wearing wig, mask (cloth). Song got into Rebecca’s
car, given bag provided by Sharp, said farewell.
Song stated general plan to keep moving
P Atty – do you know where he would go
D Atty – Objection Wtns stated he doesn’t know already –
Overruled
Wtns – just he would keep moving

~ 1500 – Judge: last witness due to weather but
will allow cross

D Atty
D Atty – What was your thought on binary trigger?
W – Hard to control
D – Would you say was waste of ammunition
W – I would agree w/ that
D – your past testimony different from today’s
D – you said Song was dehydrated & delirious was that
when he told you story W – No later
D – You said Song shot when he saw cop draw?
W – Yes
D – At time of plea you hoped fed would not file charges
W – Y
D – And Johnson C said they might dismiss other charges?
Why?
W – My understanding is they want to see what happens

Given impression Johnson City state charges
would be much less severe
Judge ~~abt~~ admonishes D for not being
clear in questions
Warned if he did not cooperate fed charges
would be “devastating”
~~Djection~~ Objection by D – cannot testify what others intended
sustained [?] D – suppressive fire is intended not
to harm?
W – Yes
D – Originally did not name auto [?] numbers didn’t
give names till October. Sanchez was not on that list
you gave his name today
W – my understanding is based on what
he heard from ppl there, news & LEO
D – Song teaches ppl to defend selves, hates bullies
W – Yes
D – evidence shot ground, he intended to shoot
Judge – that is inappropriate
New D Atty – Asking abt SRA
W – 501(c)3
D – Org strictly uphold law. This is can be
scrutinized on outside?
W – Yes
D – So SRA encourages strict adherence
to all laws?
W – Yes.

D-Has Thomas ID Mr. Evarts. Notes he
is on SRA roster
D- SRA is like NRA or TSRA?
W- Yes
D-SRA concerned abt right-wing orgs?
W- Yes
D- Black Bloc used to protect ID from
right-wing orgs to prevent harassment if doxxed?
W-Yes
D- You gave roster to LEO due to what
they told you to do
W-Told gov’t to get search warrant for
my computer
New D Atny
D Atny – Affirm black bloc to protect ID
in all sorts of protests
W-Not unusual
D-Not unusual to wear black bloc &
carry rifles in protest
W-Yes
D- talked abt incident @ homeless encampment
D- stood w/ Dallas city Marshals (EFSGC),
and Marshals left when [illegible] stood with rifles?
W-Yes
D-is LEO is conducting info who is giving media
info?
W- [illegible]
D- So what you know is what Song [?]
LEO told you?

W – Yes
D- So basically everything you know
comes from gov’t
W-Yes
D- Exhibit 151 “stipulated facts portion”
1st paragraph affirms you had no knowledge of any of
this action but immediately before states there is an
Antifa cell looking to attack gov’t. You didn’t write
that? can’t drafted it
W-Yes
D- You said today you knew of Antifa was
only based on conversations. In earlier interview you
ID’d members of Antifa only by your knowledge
of their beliefs & opinions? So nobody told you
directly they were members of Antifa?
W-Yes
D-And your only ID of members of
Antifa comes from you reading a gov’t document
W-Yes
D- Why he did not reach out to
IO SARA [?] JBGC

New D Atny
    D- Never had a private convo w/

Marcelle? [illegible]
W-Yes
D- Never referred to any as
Antifa members before you were arrested?
W-Yes

New D Atny
D- You referenced Sanchez earlier – you meant
Dario Sanchez not Daniel?
V- Yes

New D Atny
D-did Song express whether binary trigger AR
less accurate
W-he did not. I found it harder to
control. Somewhat less accurate
D- What credence do you give reporting?
W-Believe media informed by police more biased
Song more reliable source
D- Pull up SRA roster (177)
D- you were active on discussion in NFans [?] chat?
gave opinions (left [?]) You turned & expressed opinions there?
P – Objection J- Overruled Yes
D – your opinions in chat were your real opinions?
W- yes
D- Looking at SRA Roster again. No such
list as this for Antifa?
V – No
Judge- Break Monday @ 0830

1 more cooperator & 1 more expert for P on Monday
Judge – I’d like to close case by Fri

RR PM (3 pages)

If antifa does not have membership, why identify individuals?
More identifying individuals w/ ideology
Next Cross Examination
Never met Liz Soto
Next Cross Examination
Didn’t meet Ines Soto at gear check or in person
RR – Established differences in Antifa vs Anarchism
PM Lunch 12:00 PM
Another message exchange regarding who went
Did not recognize Foxglove despite previous testimony
Song “not going to jail” in response to firearms
No Recross
Next Witness – C.O. Crispi [?]
Booking officer at JoCo
Identified Song & fingerprints
Tried to admit booking info into evidence. Defense objects as does contain state charges (extraneous info)
Cross Examination
Explained what a live scanning machine
Did not take physical ink prints

Next Witness John Thomas

Sworn in. Confirmed address and guilty plea.
Met Song ~2020 feeding an unhoused camp
Lived with Song & Gibson. Had a number of AR-15 rifles, handguns, & body armor
Secretary of SRA. Described Gown [?] n’Tell & Range days
Had shooting practice once a month
Moved in with Song & Gibson ~2025
Song owns an AR-15 rifle w/ a binary trigger
SRA membership registration
Identified Evarts, Song and Morris as SRA
Showed picture of Shooting Academy in Ferris, TX
Identified residents of 56th [?] st house
Recalls meeting Rueda, but not Ines, Liz, Des
Talked about John Brown Gun club & armed protests
Less concerned w/ law abiding than SRA
Identified Song & Morris part of JB gun club
Interview with law enforcement
Identified Hill, Song, Rueda, Morris, Sykes, et al. as antifa
Not involved in planning or protest Jul. 4
Found out about events Jul. 5
Got a message Signal from Kent about going to Cleburne
Knew Kent & Sykes for about a year ~2025
Knew Sharp for the same time
Waited for pickup signal from Song with Sharp in car.
Collected Song around 11:30 PM extremely dehydrated
Dropped off Sharp at Days Inn
Took Song to friends apt. on Churchhill [?] in Dallas
Friend is unaffiliated. Thomas was pot sitting.
Picked up a disguise and food for Song Jul. 6
Song divulged that the intent of protest was to make noise
Said Evarts slashed tires and smashed windows
Cop approached, slashed the popped [?], cop reached for gun. Song stated they shot the officer.
Song weapon jammed, abandoned it & ran in to woods
Song thought to be shot, but was actually leaking pepper spray
2:25 [?] Star is establishing protest stuff: IFAK, black bloc etc.
Song never talked about using bombs
Established fireworks as an “explosive device”
Song hid in a field of sunflowers to evade search
Song still had a pistol
Jul. 7 Song is disguised (no mention of eyebrows) left w/ Sharp to Richardson ~6:15

S AM (5 pages)

Susan Kent testimony,
Discuss Self-Defense & First Aid classes.
Line of questioning around SRA org that defendant onboarded for.
Affinity “group” – no leadership close relationship group for support.
Bloc/black – face covering
July 3rd invitation – Song asked to attend gear check for protest.
bringing gun, IFAK, gas mask
discussion of tactic planning – de-arresting.
Song, Autumn, Morris, Gideon, Lucy, Gardenia, 2 people unknown.
56th st house – 9:30-10p. arrival for gear check.
discussion of PDC getting worse, need to do something.
images of outside of PDC for gear check, surveillance, where to protest, “it’s as easy as it’s going to get” “we can take the place & free the people inside” “suppressive fire overhead & distract to get people out” – disagreement with action by group.
discussion of bringing firearms – Song states that they are still bringing their gun b/c they aren’t getting arrested.
Street U-hauls to move people that are freed.
Shift to non-violent discussion plan for action.
Transition to noise action, throwing food over fence etc.
Signal chat – discussion of “yellow vests” – mixed reaction.
YT video – powerpoint talking building textures, clear a building characterizing other defendants as “Anarchist Principles”
ACAB – random vocab check.
She was not informed of 7/4 event until 7/3 gear check – no substantial preparation. No discussion w/ Seth about the gear check. if he goes Song would communicate w/ him directly
7/4 – 9pm “going dark” – going to protest to timing of phone.
discussion of Faraday bag/cages.
7/4 – 11:30p – signal chat Song changing Signal name to delete
move to remove anyone in the group chats that attended
PDC event. – specify diff group chats.
after event – organizing to bring a car to the area to get them picked up – did not find anything to go by the jail to see what occurred – JCJ to ask if Seth has been arrested & they

Confirmed – 8am 7/5. – Jail staff says they look similar to who was arrested & temporarily detained
Song messages he is hanging in the woods & needs to be picked up.
SRA Group – support – get a hotel room since they have been up all night & plan moving forward “lawyers, jail support, etc”
did not know entire list of people who had been arrested.
Plan on how to pick up Song – landscape, recon, etc.
b/c they had been seen @ Jail they planned that someone else would pick up – Juniper
Song is picked up night of 7/5. – do not know where they go
she stayed hotel that night & – leave 7/6.
7/6 Meet at a parking lot & Song has changed appearance discuss what occurred.

John, Song & Mari were at parking lot at PDC

back to signal messages – trying to clarify who was there.
officers ran out of facility & facility car drove up.
everyone ran back to the wooded area & to cart they had brought – saw officer had a gun & they traded gunfire.
30-40 shots. Song saw the officer go down & assumed the officer was shot – Song ran toward the home and tried to clear jammed rifle – it would not & he tossed it to the ground & ran into the woods. Song wasn’t shot but the pepper spray in his pocket exploded – assumption it had been shot.
Prosecution – speculation by defense attorney “would Song have continued shooting if his gun was not jammed” “yes”
“But why was Song separated?” he panicked & left the group.
Song asked if he could stay at Morgan’s place – no
definitive answer where they could stay & they all separated.
Kent was not involved w/ him after that point.

10:47a.
Defensive Questioning:
Confirming that Song “Panicked” so it was not part of the plan.
7/3 gear check meeting – never been to one before.
IFAK – purpose for any emergency – daily basis.
Affinity groups = surrogate family – help if you need it.
Sikes – pistol carry at all locations, b/c Texas is gun carry st.
7/3 – repeating that idea of guns & shooting @ facility was
shot down by the group.
9/10: told M or Donahue that asked that question would officer making that report be lying or making a mistake.
Finalize to make a noise protest to support Detainees. moved to support inmates.
Song stating he is not to be arrested means he would flee.
Not aware if Sikes was going to protest until “going dark” msg.
7/4 signal message posted for noise protest & to share w/ trusted people.
Information after event pulled mostly from public sources.
FB, news, etc.
Groups in Signal c. 200+ people – not all know each other
do not all agree all the time.
“Response Group” Signal to figure out what to do after 7/4 event. discussion of care/flight & where to get information on who it was. Questioning what happened; did not know what occurred = not planned.

11:10a.
Mr. Hays Questioning:
7/3 – peaceful noise demo decided at that visit.
trying to define suppressive fire – not to gain compliance.
c/o hurting anyone.
Bloc/blac – not knowing who might be who – purpose of it to not know who you are
tried to equate it to ICE hiding their identity
it was stricken by judge.

Finn’s Place – organizing location
Safety training was done by professional EMS person.
use of IFAK for daily use – is not a weapon.
U-haul scenario – groups & hyperbolic speech & not realistic – making jokes about it previously.
Confirming Song would run – not have shoot out w/ police on purpose.
2 interviews prior to plea deal
previously stated that “Song” said it was not going to be dangerous but he’s not being arrested “Fleeing”
In interviews – police stating you can spend 99 – life if you don’t want to work w/ us – plea deal done.
Connection to “Antifa” – denying states she is Libertarian.
no concrete answer of “Antifa” beliefs.
police asking political questions during interviews
did not feel worse than it already was.

incentive for taking plea deal b/c of 30-life
refer to group of friends as an “Antifa” “cell”
interview 6 mo ago stated she didn’t know what “Antifa” was – would not clarify to LE during interview.

11:40a.
next Defense Att.
8 mo in detention – 24 yrs old – going thru detention
facilities & treatment & food, conditions, etc.
hesitant to prosecutors questions.
7/3 – Mr. Evarts not at the meeting, not aware of what was discussed.

11:47a.
next Tolbert:
“Antifa” political movement – not an organization, no membership, no roll.
Naming the defendants as they have political philosophy
of anti-fascist beliefs not a part of group.
belief that SBD has affiliation of beliefs only on associations about ISD

11:53a. next Def Att.
Elizabeth Soto not present & no associated to Kent.
11:54a. next Def Att.
Ines Soto – only met him once in person – was in another Signal chat. – understand his personal beliefs only from responses in chat.
Sparse out distinction of “Antifa” vs. “anarchism”

11:59a. Lunch
-12:45p.

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