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Illegal alien who fired AR style rifle from crowded Dallas bridge on New Year’s Eve Receives 35 months in prison

Last reviewed: 2026-09-22Topic: Charges
Quick answer

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould reported that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

On September 21, 2026, United States Attorney’s Office published a firearm-related federal enforcement or policy update. Gun Felony reviewed the official release and organized the reported facts below as an original case summary.

Case status: The DOJ release reports that a federal sentence has been imposed. The judgment and docket control the exact terms.

What did DOJ or ATF announce?

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould reported that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

What firearm or ammunition issue is involved?

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould reported that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

What is the current case status?

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould reported that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

Why this federal gun case matters

Federal firearm prosecutions can turn on the exact charging statute and facts. Common provisions include 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) prohibited-person offenses, § 924(c) firearm use or possession in connection with specified crimes, unlawful dealing or trafficking statutes, and National Firearms Act provisions. A press release is not a substitute for the indictment, plea agreement, judgment, or docket.

What happens next in this type of matter?

Once sentence is imposed, the written judgment controls the prison term, supervised release, financial obligations, forfeiture and other conditions. A defendant may have appellate or post-conviction options depending on the record and deadlines, but a DOJ press release does not describe every issue preserved or waived in the case.

Official record: The original government release is linked in the Sources and legal references section below.

Frequently asked questions

What did DOJ announce in this firearm case or gun-law update?

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould reported that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

What firearm or ammunition issue is involved?

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould reported that a man who fired multiple rounds from an AR‑style rifle off the Margaret McDermott Bridge amid New Year’s Eve celebrations received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

Is this case only an allegation, or has there been a plea, conviction, or sentence?

The DOJ release reports that a federal sentence has been imposed. The judgment and docket control the exact terms.

What federal laws commonly apply in gun cases?

Depending on the facts, federal cases may involve 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), § 924(c), firearm trafficking or straw-purchase statutes, unlawful dealing provisions, or National Firearms Act offenses. The exact charging document controls.

Where can I read the official DOJ or ATF press release?

Gun Felony links the official government release in the Sources and legal references section of this article.

Sources and legal references