FBI investigates the incident as an “act of targeted violence”; shooter, who was a sniper, died by suicide
DALLAS, TX. – A shooter with a rifle opened fire from a nearby rooftop onto a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) location in Dallas on Wednesday, killing two detainees and wounding another before taking his own life, authorities said. The attack is being investigated as an act of targeted violence.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement indicating the shooter “fired indiscriminately at the ICE building,” including at a van in a sallyport where the victims were shot. The detainee who survived is in critical condition at a hospital.
While the exact motive for the attack is still under investigation, the FBI said that ammunition found at the scene contained anti-ICE messaging.
FBI Director Kash Patel released a photo on social media showing a bullet with “ANTI-ICE” written on it.
A Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed that no ICE agents were injured and stated that the shooter appeared to be firing from an apartment building, targeting law enforcement and detainees.
The shooting comes just two weeks after conservative leader Charlie Kirk was killed by a rifle-wielding shooter on a roof, prompting renewed debate on politically motivated violence.
Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz were quick to condemn the attack and call for an end to rhetoric they claim demonizes law enforcement. However, Democratic U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey criticized some officials for what he called an attempt to “control this narrative” and slow-walk information to avoid portraying migrants as victims.
According to Edwin Cardona, an immigrant from Venezuela who was entering the building with his son for an appointment, the shooting began around 6:20 a.m. Cardona said an agent quickly moved people to a secure area and that he was initially fearful for his family who were still outside the building.
The incident triggered a massive law enforcement response. Traffic cameras near the facility, which is located along Interstate 35 East near Dallas Love Field, showed six lanes of the normally busy freeway at a standstill. Dozens of emergency vehicles were seen near the facility, which is located in an area with numerous hotels catering to airport travelers.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged the uptick in the targeting of ICE agents, though she noted the motive for Wednesday’s attack remains unclear.
PREVIOUS REPORT: A shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning has resulted in one fatality and two injuries, according to authorities. The deceased victim was a detainee in ICE custody.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said at a news conference that officers responded to an “assist the officer” call around 6:40 a.m. and found four individuals had been shot, including the shooter. Two people, including the shooter, were deceased at the scene, and two others were transported to a hospital. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The FBI is now leading the investigation, treating the incident as an “act of targeted violence.”
Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock stated that early evidence, including “anti-ICE” messages found on rounds near the shooter, suggests the attack was ideologically motivated. No law enforcement officers were among the victims.
The shooter, identified by police sources as a white male sniper, was positioned on a rooftop. While the exact building has not been confirmed, officials said he fired from an elevated position. Dozens of police units and ambulances were seen at the facility off I-35E near Empire Central.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson urged the community to “be patient” and “remain calm” as the investigation continues. He also asked for prayers for the victims and for the city and country to “come together at a time like this.”
ORIGINAL REPORT: A Wednesday morning active shooter situation at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas left three people in ICE custody wounded. The shooting prompted a large-scale law enforcement response near I-35E and Empire Central.
According to police sources, the suspect, identified as a white male, was a sniper armed with a rifle on a nearby rooftop. As law enforcement agents approached his position, the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The three victims who were shot have been identified as detainees within the ICE facility.
The total number of casualties remains unconfirmed, but police sources indicate that multiple victims are in critical condition. Dozens of police units and ambulances were dispatched to the scene. The investigation into the incident, including the motive, is ongoing.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed the shooting during an interview on CNN on Wednesday morning.
“It could be employees, it could be civilians that were visiting the facility, it could be detainees,” Lyons said of those who were shot. “At this point, we’re still working through that.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said details were still emerging, but the agency was confirming there were “multiple injuries and fatalities.”
Noem said the motive remained unclear but noted there has been an uptick of targeting of ICE agents.
This is a developing story.
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