Ben Song, a prominent activist in Dallas known by the alias Bubble, has become a central figure in local progressive organizing amid rising political tensions in the region. Song emerged in 2020 at the forefront of Black Lives Matter protests and quickly became a ubiquitous presence at demonstrations advocating for causes ranging from reproductive rights to defunding the police and Palestinian solidarity.

Song, a former Marine Corps member, attracted attention not only for his consistent activism but also for his habit of carrying a firearm at protests. Despite his visibility, he maintained a low profile about his real identity to protect himself and others from potential surveillance and threats. Allies described him as calm, authoritative, and dedicated, often teaching free self-defense classes at a martial arts dojo in Arlington, Texas, owned by his mother. His background included martial arts training in tang soo do, which he used to help equip activists with physical skills for protection.

Raised in a conservative Asian American household in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, Song’s political journey was marked by significant shifts. Initially a College Republican at the University of Texas at Arlington, he became disillusioned following Donald Trump’s 2015 presidential campaign, rejecting earlier beliefs that the GOP was not racist. After a period of involvement with the Libertarian Party, Song traveled to Hong Kong in 2019 to join pro-democracy demonstrations, an experience he recounted as exposing him to tear gas, arrests, and deportation by Chinese authorities.

Back in Dallas, Song aligned himself with more militant activism, helping to form and recruit members to the Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club, a hard-line offshoot of the local chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association (S.R.A.). Unlike the S.R.A., which prohibits public display of weapons, the John Brown Gun Club is known for openly carrying firearms at protests and community events, including drag shows and LGBTQ gatherings, as a protective measure against right-wing violence.

Among those drawn into this activist milieu was a man using the alias John White, who became involved through Song’s network. This group frequently adopted black bloc tactics, wearing black clothing and masks to avoid identification and retaliation by opposing political actors. The presence of armed left-wing activists in Dallas reflects a broader national trend of increasing militancy on both sides of the political spectrum, particularly in responses to perceived threats at public demonstrations.

Activists in the Dallas area credit Song’s leadership and experience—both locally and internationally—as key to organizing efforts during a period of heightened polarization and political repression. As activism in the city continues to evolve, the role of figures like Ben Song underscores the complexities of community defense and protest tactics within the current political climate.