The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Trial of the North Texas Antifa Cell
Mar 5, 2026
Steven Monacelli, investigative correspondent who covered the Prairieland protest. Troy "LT" Edwards, former national security prosecutor experienced with material support charges. Tom Brzozowski, ex-DOJ prosecutor who led domestic terrorism prosecutions. They discuss the Prairieland shooting and arrests. They explain material support law, DOJ review practices, decentralized organizing, and what makes this terrorism case unusual.
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What Happened At Prairieland On July 4
- On July 4, 2025 a dozen masked protesters wearing black gathered at Prairieland ICE facility, fired fireworks, spray-painted cars, and shots were exchanged that struck an officer.
- Ten were arrested quickly, the alleged shooter Benjamin Song evaded arrest for days, anchoring the government's violent-incident narrative.
Material Support Charge Doesn't Require Terror Intent
- The DOJ added 18 U.S.C. §2339A (material support to terrorists) in a superseding indictment tying defendants to an Antifa-aligned cell.
- §2339A is broad and labeled terrorism-related even though it does not technically require proof of terroristic intent.
How 2339A Functions As A Preventive Tool
- §2339A operates by criminalizing material support for enumerated predicate offenses rather than requiring support for a named organization.
- Prosecutors use it as a one-to-two-click prevention tool to stop support before an enumerated violent act occurs.