A courtroom in Texas erupted in unexpected drama this Tuesday, halting the trial of nine individuals accused of attacking a federal detention center. The stunning development wasn’t due to evidence presented, or testimony given, but a T-shirt worn by one of the defense attorneys.
U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman declared a mistrial after discovering attorney MarQuetta Clayton had been wearing a blazer concealing a shirt emblazoned with images of civil rights icons Shirley Chisholm and Martin Luther King Jr. The revelation came after Clayton had already questioned potential jurors for over twenty minutes.
“I don’t know why in the world you would think that’s appropriate,” the judge reportedly stated, visibly frustrated. He described the situation as unprecedented, suggesting he’d encountered nothing like it in his legal career and felt he had no other recourse.
The other defense attorneys vehemently protested the mistrial declaration, arguing against the disruption of the proceedings. Despite their objections, Judge Pittman remained firm, scheduling a hearing where Clayton will be compelled to justify her actions and potentially face sanctions.
The incident occurred during the initial stages of jury selection, which had begun with a pool of 75 potential jurors. The process will now be restarted next Tuesday with a larger group of 130, a significant setback for both the prosecution and the defense.
Adding another layer of complexity, the jury pool revealed a notable sentiment against ICE’s immigration enforcement policies. Approximately twenty potential jurors expressed opposition to ICE’s efforts, with one stating their family’s own history as immigrants.
The charges stem from an alleged ambush on July 4, 2025, at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center. Prosecutors allege the defendants launched fireworks, vandalized property, and ultimately opened fire on responding federal officers.
An Alvarado police officer, dispatched in response to a 911 call, sustained a gunshot wound to the neck during the incident but thankfully survived. Federal prosecutors contend the attack was meticulously planned and executed by members of a North Texas-based Antifa cell.
All nine defendants maintain their innocence, denying any involvement in the alleged attack. The case, already fraught with tension, now faces a significant delay and a cloud of controversy following the judge’s dramatic decision.
