Crime
Dallas ICE facility shooting suspect Joshua Jahn downloaded and used ICEBlock to locate ICE officers
Federal investigators are examining whether a controversial app promoted earlier this year played a role in last week’s deadly attack at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, opened fire from the rooftop of a nearby building at approximately 6:40 a.m. on September 24, targeting an ICE field office and an unmarked transport van carrying detainees.
The sniper attack left two detainees dead, a third critically injured, and Jahn himself deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Jahn’s digital activity revealed extensive pre-attack research.
Investigators found evidence that he downloaded and used ICEBlock, a mobile app designed to crowdsource and share the real-time locations of ICE officers.
The app allows users to anonymously pin ICE sightings on a map, sending alerts to anyone within a five-mile radius.
CNN featured the app in June, shortly after its April launch, describing it as an “early warning system” for undocumented migrants seeking to avoid enforcement.
Developer Joshua Aaron was interviewed in the report, which drew sharp criticism from federal officials.
At the time, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons denounced CNN’s coverage, calling it “reckless and irresponsible.” He warned, “Advertising an app that basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers’ backs is sickening.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also condemned the platform, stating that it “encourages violence against law enforcement officers who are trying to keep our country safe.”
Director Patel now says Jahn’s online activity corresponded with a spike in downloads of ICEBlock following CNN’s story.
His searches also included a DHS facility directory in Dallas County, research into ballistics, and case studies of prior mass shootings.
“This indicates a high degree of pre-attack planning,” Patel said, noting that Jahn appeared specifically focused on federal immigration enforcement.
At the scene, investigators recovered unspent rifle rounds engraved with anti-ICE slogans and a handwritten note in which Jahn expressed a desire to instill “real terror” among immigration officers.
The Dallas attack marks the fourth violent incident at a Department of Homeland Security facility in Texas this year.
DHS officials say threats and attacks targeting ICE personnel have surged by more than 1,000% in recent months, prompting immediate nationwide security enhancements.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.