Dallas ICE facility shooting probed as "act of targeted violence," FBI says
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Mayor of Dallas Eric Johnson speaks during a press conference following a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas, on September 24. Photo: Aric Becker/AFP via Getty Images
The FBI is investigating Wednesday morning's shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility as "targeted violence" potentially driven by ideology based on early evidence.
The big picture: The shooting killed one immigration detainee and critically injured two others, according to the Department of Homeland Security. However, federal officials suggested the sniper's fire was meant to target ICE.
- Officials said no members of law enforcement were hurt.
Driving the news: FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that while the investigation is ongoing, the shooting appeared to be ideologically motivated. He shared a photo of what he said were "unspent shell casings," one of which had "ANTI ICE" scrawled on it.
- He said, the "FBI and our partners will lead the these investigative efforts to see to it that those who target our law enforcement are pursued and brought to the fullest extent of justice."
Catch up quick: Police responded around 6:40 a.m. in Dallas.
- Homeland Security said a sniper opened fire from a nearby rooftop and "fired indiscriminately" at the building, including at an ICE van where the victims were shot.
- The suspected shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed in a statement.
Between the lines: In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, top Trump administration officials and MAGA-world personalities pinned the shooting on anti-law enforcement rhetoric, with some more directly blaming Democrats, despite a motive having not yet been named.
- Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson urged patience and restraint at Wednesday's conference to allow law enforcement to conduct their active investigation.
- Juan Proaño, CEO of civil rights group LULAC, tells Axios the "anti-ICE" message shown in Patel's photo of the unspent shell casing does not make clear that the shooter intended to target ICE.
- "He could have waited for the right moment, right person, but the fact that he shot three detainees, I don't know ... So, we're going to wait to learn more about the shooter," Proaño said.
What we're watching: After the conference came to a rather abrupt end, Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas), whose district covers parts of Dallas, urged local and federal officials to prioritize transparency over politicization.
- "Let us know what's going on and stop trying to play politics," he said on ABC affiliate WFAA. "This is not a time for anyone to score points."
- Proaño said LULAC will keep advocating for more accountability for ICE, including for the safety of its detainees.
- "All individuals deserve human dignity in this process. If they're going to be detained, they should at least have a modicum of understanding that they're safe," Proaño said.
Go deeper: ICE shooting sparks partisan blame game before facts confirmed
Editor's note: This story has been updated after DHS revised its statement to say one victim (not two) died from their injuries. Two remain in critical condition.
