Key Point Summary – Marine Vet Paralyzed

• Marine vet paralyzed while working as security guard in Texas
• Shooter identified as illegal migrant Wilmer Ortega Ruiz
• Suspect had four prior arrests and skipped multiple court dates
• Friesenhahn was shot after trying to disarm the armed patron
• Family outraged by lenient charge of aggravated assault
• ICE placed detainer only after the vet was already paralyzed
• Petition launched calling for attempted murder charge

Marine Vet Paralyzed After Violent Clash

A marine vet was paralyzed after confronting a gunman at a San Antonio bar. Jimmy Friesenhahn, 44, served in combat zones for 14 years. Despite surviving war, his life changed forever back home.

While working at El Patio Sports Bar, he spotted a man with a handgun. Friesenhahn immediately stepped in. He tried to disarm the suspect, who turned out to be 29-year-old Wilmer Ortega Ruiz.

They struggled. Ortega Ruiz fired three times. Two bullets struck Friesenhahn’s vest. The third hit his neck. As a result, he now suffers from spinal damage, a ruptured esophagus, and destroyed vocal cords. His family believes his quick action prevented something far worse.

He stopped something bigger from happening, said his brother-in-law Emmanuel Martinez. Jimmy protected everyone in that bar.

Ortega Slipped Through Law Enforcement’s Fingers

The man responsible for leaving the marine vet paralyzed had a long history of run-ins with law enforcement. Authorities say Ortega Ruiz illegally crossed the border and avoided capture.

His criminal record began in 2020 with a DWI arrest. Prosecutors downgraded the charge to obstructing a passageway. He then skipped court. Cops picked him up again in August 2023, but he posted a $1,500 bond and vanished.

It didn’t stop there. Ortega was arrested again in September and November of 2023. Each time, he avoided serious consequences. In November, he served minimal time before walking free.

Police also linked him to a domestic violence case, where his girlfriend accused him of an attack. However, he fled before officers arrived.

Family Demands Attempted Murder Charge

Even though the shooting left the marine vet paralyzed, Ortega Ruiz faces only an aggravated assault charge. His bond is set at $200,000.

That’s not justice, said Friesenhahn’s sister, Evangelina Borjon. That’s attempted murder.

Martinez agrees. We’ve watched this man walk free over and over. Now Jimmy pays the price for the system’s failure.

The family has called out the Bexar County DA’s Office for what they see as years of leniency and missed warnings.

Public Outrage Over Immigration and Justice Failures

The shooting reignited fierce debate across Texas. Residents are questioning why someone with Ortega’s record was still free. ICE placed a detainer after the shooting, but it came too late for Friesenhahn.

San Antonio’s justice system is now under fire. Why does it take a hero getting paralyzed for anyone to care? one resident posted on social media.

The public is demanding answers. Many believe soft-on-crime policies enabled Ortega’s string of arrests and releases. Local politicians are also feeling pressure to respond.

Online Petition Calls for Justice

Frustrated citizens have launched a petition demanding prosecutors upgrade the charges. Supporters say the marine vet paralyzed deserves more than symbolic justice.

He risked his life for this country, one signer wrote. And this is how the system repays him?

The petition has quickly gained thousands of signatures. It’s now being sent to elected officials in hopes of sparking action.

Six Surgeries and No End in Sight

Friesenhahn has already endured six surgeries since the attack. Doctors are struggling to stabilize him. His future remains uncertain.

Family and friends have started a fundraiser to help with overwhelming medical bills. They say every dollar counts, but what they truly want is accountability.

We just want justice, Martinez said. We want to know that someone is going to pay for this.

Pressure Mounts on Prosecutors

As public anger grows, officials at the Bexar County DA’s Office face mounting calls to act. So far, they’ve remained silent.

But for the marine vet paralyzed while trying to protect others, silence isn’t enough.