On February 18, 2026, the first day of jury selection in a federal terrorism trial linked to Antifa in Texas faced significant issues, leading to a mistrial declared by Judge Mark Pittman. The case involves nine defendants accused of coordinating an attack on an immigration facility in July 2025.
• Mistrial Declaration: Judge Mark Pittman announced a mistrial due to the defense attorney MarQuetta Clayton wearing a shirt that featured images of civil rights figures. The judge believed this could bias the jury against the defendants.
• Juror Opinions: During selection, some potential jurors expressed negative feelings about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and former President Donald Trump, raising concerns about impartiality.
• The Case Against the Defendants: The defendants are accused of organizing a protest that escalated into violence, including graffiti at the ICE facility, the use of fireworks, and gunfire directed at law enforcement. This left a local police officer severely injured.
• Background of the Trial: This case marks the first terrorism prosecution in the U. S. against alleged Antifa members, with several individuals having already pleaded guilty to related crimes.
• Further Legal Proceedings: The accused, including alleged ringleader Benjamin Song, are expected to face additional charges as the trial progresses. There was a notable eleven-day manhunt for Song, who is anticipated to testify in his defense.
The beginning of this highly publicized terrorism trial faced critical setbacks, primarily related to issues concerning potential juror bias and courtroom conduct. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how similar cases involving Antifa and domestic terrorism are handled in the future. Reporters and public observers await further developments as legal proceedings continue.
https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/18/texas-antifa-terrorism-trial-civil-rights-mistrial-jesse-jackson/
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