JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Jonathan O’Dell, 34, of Warsaw, Missouri, has been found guilty by a federal jury for his role in a conspiracy to murder U.S. Border Patrol agents and for shooting at FBI agents during his arrest, officials announced on November 7. O’Dell and Bryan Perry, a Tennessee resident, were both convicted on multiple charges tied to their involvement with the self-styled “2nd American Militia.”
Prosecutors revealed that the men had conspired to travel to Texas to attack illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.–Mexico border and intended to murder any Border Patrol officers who attempted to stop them. They were found guilty of numerous federal charges, including conspiracy to assault and injure federal officers, attempted murder of FBI special agents, and multiple firearm-related crimes. In addition, O’Dell was convicted on counts related to threatening harm, possessing a firearm while under a protection order, making false statements to federal agents, and escaping custody.
The FBI had initially apprehended O’Dell and Perry in October 2022 at O’Dell’s residence in Warsaw, where the pair had stockpiled firearms, ammunition, and paramilitary supplies in preparation for their planned actions at the border. When FBI agents arrived to execute a search warrant, they came under gunfire. Although agents did not return fire, they deployed flash bangs to contain the scene and arrested the suspects shortly afterward. Investigators noted that Perry admitted to firing shots during the standoff.
O’Dell’s sentencing follows his September 2023 escape from Phelps County Jail, from which he was recaptured near Kansas City. The case highlights ongoing concerns over violent extremism within domestic militia groups.
