Dallas, Texas — The devastating shooting at a Dallas ICE facility on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, which left two detainees dead and one critically wounded, has shocked the nation. Joshua Jahn, the 29-year-old suspect, is believed to have opened fire from a sniper position on a rooftop near the facility. The attack, which authorities say was politically motivated, has prompted an emotional response from his family, especially his mother, Sharon Jahn, who was left devastated by the tragedy.

The FBI’s initial investigation into the shooting reveals disturbing evidence, including bullets found near the suspect’s body that were engraved with the words “ANTI-ICE.” The gunman, who authorities say took his own life after law enforcement closed in, was reportedly enraged over the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The shooting has sparked a national conversation about political violence, with questions arising about the role Sharon Jahn’s political activism might have played in influencing her son.

Sharon Jahn’s Emotional Response

Sharon Jahn, 65, was clearly shaken as she spoke to reporters in the aftermath of the shooting. Her voice trembling with emotion, she apologized publicly but struggled to explain the tragedy.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. But I just can’t talk to you now,” Sharon Jahn told reporters over the phone. Her grief-stricken words have only fueled questions about the role her political views may have played in the attack.

Joshua Jahn’s mother has been publicly associated with left-wing political causes, having supported a range of progressive movements and figures, including The Resistance and U.S. Democratic Socialists. Her Facebook posts show her strong opposition to the policies of conservative Texas officials, particularly those surrounding gun rights and the proliferation of firearms.

In a post following the 2022 Uvalde mass shooting, Sharon Jahn publicly condemned Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state legislators for their support of the gun lobby. “You must be proud of all the money that sits in your bank accounts from gun lobby support. Was it worth it, Governor Abbott? How about you senators?” she wrote.

While Sharon Jahn has not directly commented on whether her political views influenced her son, the connection between her activism and Joshua’s fatal actions is currently under investigation by the FBI.

The Shooting: Attack on ICE Facility

The Dallas ICE shooting took place early Wednesday morning, just outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in the city. Joshua Jahn, according to the FBI, used a sniper rifle to open fire from a nearby rooftop, targeting detainees inside a transport van. The gunfire killed two detainees and critically wounded a third.

Investigators have confirmed that Jahn wrote “ANTI-ICE” on one of the bullets at the scene, which was later shared by FBI Director Kash Patel on social media. This has led authorities to believe that the attack was ideologically motivated, stemming from a strong opposition to the ICE and its role in enforcing U.S. immigration laws.

FBI Director Patel noted, “While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an ideological motive behind this attack. These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off.”

Joshua Jahn’s attack was not the first instance of politically driven violence against law enforcement, but it marks one of the more chilling cases tied to anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Investigating the Ideological Motive Behind the Attack

The motive behind the shooting continues to unfold, but the FBI has already stated that the evidence points to a deliberate, politically charged attack. Bullets found near the suspect’s body were engraved with the words “ANTI-ICE,” suggesting that Jahn targeted the facility out of a belief that ICE’s actions were unjust.

Joshua Jahn’s actions have raised troubling questions about the intersection of political beliefs and violence, particularly when ideological motives fuel attacks on government institutions and law enforcement.

FBI Director Patel has stressed the need for vigilance when it comes to politically motivated violence, stating, “We must not allow the radicalization of individuals to turn into violent acts against the very institutions that are meant to protect the public.”

The Jahn Family: Struggling to Understand

As the investigation into Joshua Jahn’s attack continues, the impact on his family has been profound. Joshua’s parents, Sharon and Andrew Jahn, have been described as “shell-shocked” by the news of their son’s involvement in such a violent act. Andrew, a retired mechanical engineer, and Sharon, who works as an administrator for a massage school in Plano, Texas, have both struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.

Joshua Jahn’s siblings, including his brother Noah and sister Kioko, have also expressed shock at the events that unfolded. Noah Jahn, speaking briefly with reporters, said, “I didn’t think he was politically interested… He wasn’t interested in politics on either side as far as I knew.”

Growing up in Allen, Texas, Joshua was described as a quiet individual with no apparent interest in politics. His brother, Noah, shared that Joshua was skilled with coding and was in the process of moving back to his parents’ home in Oklahoma. Despite being proficient with firearms, Noah stated that Joshua was not a “marksman,” further fueling disbelief among his family that he was capable of carrying out such a precise and deadly attack.

Public Reactions and Media Scrutiny

Following the shooting, media outlets have been quick to investigate Sharon Jahn’s background and political affiliations. Sharon’s social media presence has drawn attention, with some questioning whether her progressive political activism might have contributed to her son’s radicalization.

Sharon Jahn’s support for liberal causes, including her vocal opposition to ICE and gun control laws, has made her a target of scrutiny. However, there is no clear evidence that her political beliefs directly influenced her son’s violent actions.

Joshua’s tragic actions have prompted widespread reflection on the influence of political rhetoric and its potential to incite violence. While some may point to Sharon’s activism as a potential factor in the shooting, others argue that the focus should remain on the individual actions of Joshua Jahn and the need to address the root causes of politically motivated violence.

A Family in Shock and Grief

The Jahn family, once part of the tight-knit community of Allen, Texas, is now left to grapple with the fallout from their son’s actions. Joshua’s brother, Noah, described his sibling as “unique,” but said that he never imagined that Joshua would take part in such a violent act.

“We’re still trying to figure out what happened,” Noah said, his voice heavy with emotion. “It’s just… a lot to process right now.”

The family’s grief is compounded by the media scrutiny and the ongoing investigation into Joshua’s ideological motivations. As the FBI continues to analyze evidence and speak with witnesses, the nation remains captivated by the tragic story of a young man whose political views may have led to a deadly and devastating attack on law enforcement.