A Texas Marine veteran was paralyzed in a violent San Antonio shooting by a repeat-offending undocumented immigrant, igniting national outrage over immigration and judicial failures.
At a Glance
- Marine veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn was shot and paralyzed in San Antonio on May 4, 2023
- The alleged shooter, Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz, is an undocumented immigrant with a long criminal record
- Despite multiple arrests and probation violations, Ortega Ruiz remained free before the attack
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on Ortega Ruiz after the shooting
- The case has triggered widespread criticism of local prosecutors and federal immigration enforcement
The Attack That Changed Everything
On May 4, 2023, Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn was working as a security guard at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio when he confronted a man reportedly carrying a firearm. The suspect—29-year-old Wilmer Vladimir Ortega Ruiz—refused to surrender the weapon. A violent struggle ensued, ending when Ortega Ruiz allegedly shot Friesenhahn three times. Two bullets struck his chest, protected by a vest, but the third hit his neck.
The injury severed Friesenhahn’s spine, ruptured his esophagus, and damaged his vocal cords, leaving him paralyzed and unable to speak. Doctors describe his condition as critical, with life-altering complications likely to persist indefinitely.
Watch a report: Marine Vet Paralyzed After Shooting.
System Failures, Family Fury
Public fury intensified when it emerged that Ortega Ruiz had a long criminal history. Since 2020, he had been arrested at least four times, beginning with a DWI. He was repeatedly released on personal bonds despite violating probation terms and failing to appear in court. Despite these red flags, he remained free—and armed.
After the shooting, authorities charged Ortega Ruiz with aggravated assault and set bail at $200,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him, identifying him as a “gotaway”—someone who entered the U.S. illegally and evaded capture.
Friesenhahn’s family has since accused Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales of prioritizing politics over justice. They argue that more serious charges should have been filed given the extent of the injuries and Ortega Ruiz’s prior offenses.
A Flashpoint in National Debate
The case has become a rallying cry for those demanding stronger immigration enforcement and judicial accountability. Critics say the tragedy highlights systemic flaws in how federal and local agencies coordinate on undocumented offenders. In their view, better oversight could have prevented a known repeat offender from walking freely into a San Antonio bar with a firearm.
As Friesenhahn battles for survival, his case continues to dominate headlines and fuel discussions about the real-world consequences of immigration policy and law enforcement gaps. Whether it leads to substantive policy shifts remains to be seen—but for one Texas family, the cost has already been irreversibly paid.
