Veterans for America First Texas State Chapter Takes Stand Against Violent Crime
HOUSTON, TX — September 2026 — Veterans for America First (VFAF) Texas leaders joined crime-victim advocates, veterans, community leaders, and families in Houston for events calling attention to violent crime, victims’ rights, and the need for accountability in the criminal justice system.
The events followed the July 17, 2026 attacks on Nhan Le and Melvin Rivas, who were assaulted in separate, apparently unprovoked incidents less than an hour apart near Highway 249 in northwest Harris County. Both men suffered devastating brain injuries after being struck in the head.
Joshua McDaniel was charged in connection with both attacks. Court records reportedly showed that McDaniel had faced 16 previous criminal charges dating back to 2015, including violent offenses. The circumstances surrounding the attacks became a rallying point for Houston-area advocates demanding greater protection for victims and accountability for repeat violent offenders.
On August 29, 2026, VFAF participated in “A Prayer for Justice” at the Truc Lam Meditation Center in Houston. The gathering brought together victims, families, religious leaders, veterans, media, and community advocates under the message “Bringing Justice to Victims of Violent Crime — See. Support. Speak Up!”
Featured participants included Nick Tran, Army veteran and former congressional candidate; Cindy Siegel, Harris County Republican Party Chairwoman; Dusty Dennis, Army veteran and podcast host; Aliza Dutt, former Mayor of Piney Woods; Andy Kahan, Houston Crime Stoppers Director of Victim Services; and Mario Garza, bond reform expert.
VFAF Texas also joined the “Houston Stands With Nhan Le” Benefit Rally, bringing the community together around the principles of Strength, Justice and Family. Participants included VFAF Texas Political Director Nick Tran, Aliza Dutt, Hieu Huynh and family, and Leticia Ybarra, President of Texas Crime Victims United.
“Veterans lead from the front, and our Texas team drew a line in the sand against violent crime,” said Veterans for America First. “We took an oath to defend our country against adversaries foreign and domestic. That commitment to service does not end when the uniform comes off. Crime victims and their families deserve support, repeat violent offenders must be held accountable, and public safety must come first.”
VFAF also criticized policies it believes have provided excessive leniency to repeat offenders while leaving victims and their families fighting to have their voices heard.
“Houston families should not have to live in fear while violent repeat offenders cycle through the criminal justice system,” VFAF stated. “Our veterans stood with the victims, their families, and the Houston community. Victims’ rights matter. Public safety matters. It ends now.”
Veterans for America First — Our Oath Has No Expiration Date.
