Marine veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn celebrated his first Father’s Day with his infant daughter while battling devastating injuries sustained from a shooting that left him paralyzed and mute. The 5-month-old baby’s visit to her father’s hospital room provided a glimmer of hope for Friesenhahn, who was shot by Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz, an illegal immigrant with previous arrests. Why is Ruiz facing an aggravated assault charge instead of attempted murder?
Marine Veteran’s Life Forever Changed
Jimmy Friesenhahn, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, faces a life-altering battle after being shot three times while working as a security guard at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio, Texas. The shooting left him with catastrophic injuries, including a ruptured esophagus, damaged vocal cords, and a spinal injury that has rendered him both paralyzed and unable to speak.
The alleged shooter, Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz, reportedly entered the United States illegally and has accumulated a history of legal troubles, including a DWI charge in 2020. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Ortega Ruiz, who currently faces aggravated assault charges with a bond set at $200,000.
Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn’s accused attacker is an ILLEGAL ALIEN with a lengthy arrest record.
An unsecured border and a weak criminal justice system needlessly VICTIMIZE Americans.
Rep. Roy and his office are praying for Mr. Friesenhahn and his family. pic.twitter.com/RWKgz3GspI
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) June 11, 2025
A Father’s Day Miracle
Despite his devastating condition, Friesenhahn experienced a moment of profound joy during his first Father’s Day when his 5-month-old daughter visited him in the hospital. Family members report this special visit provided a significant boost to his motivation during the grueling recovery process.
Since the shooting, Friesenhahn has undergone seven surgeries and suffered from ICU Delirium, but is now showing encouraging signs of improvement. The Father’s Day celebration represented a crucial milestone in his recovery journey, offering a powerful reminder of what he’s fighting for.
A Marine Vet from Texas is fighting for his life after being shot by an illegal alien in the back while working as a security guard. The Marine, Jimmy Friesenhahn is paralyzed and can no longer speak after being released 4 times by a Democratic DA in San Antonio and is… pic.twitter.com/b3Vnn5Jshc
— Robbie Mouton (@mcgmouton57) June 9, 2025
Fighting for Justice
Friesenhahn’s family has vocally advocated for more serious charges against Ortega Ruiz, arguing that the current aggravated assault charges do not reflect the severity of the crime. “That’s attempted murder, that’s not aggravated assault,” declared Evangelina Borjon, expressing the family’s frustration with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office handling of the case.
Emmanuel Martinez, Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law, has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting medical expenses for the long road to recovery ahead. Martinez also credited Friesenhahn with preventing further tragedy, stating, “Jimmy’s sacrifice saved people because there’s stories that the guy was going to go inside and do something in that place.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement, with Martinez criticizing local authorities: “It’s ridiculous the way the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the DA, the Bexar County judges, the whole justice system here is not caring and letting this guy off time after time.” As Friesenhahn continues his difficult recovery journey, his family remains committed to fighting for appropriate justice while supporting him through every step of his healing process.