The FBI has collective evidence that suggests the Ohio Walmart shooting was partially racially motivated.
During a Wednesday press conference, the agency revealed part of what they believe influenced Benjamin Charles Jones to open fire inside a Beavercreek, Ohio, Walmart on Monday.
Jones injured four people — a Caucasian female, two African American females, and a Caucasian male — before taking his own life. All four victims survived.
“Based on evidence collected, including journal writings from the attacker, Benjamin Charles Jones, the attack may have been at least partially inspired by Racially Motivated Violent Extremist (RMVE) ideology,” FBI officials said in a press conference.
Walmart responded to the incident, saying: “We’re heartbroken by what’s happened at our Beavercreek, Ohio store,” a company spokesperson said. “This remains a developing situation, and we’re working closely with investigators on the scene. All questions should be directed to local law enforcement,” the statement concluded.
The FBI also revealed that Jones had bought a Hi-Point .45 caliber carbin just two days before the shooting and are looking into his answers on his gun purchase paperwork to see if he listed any false information, PEOPLE reported.
Jones walked into the retail store around 8:35 p.m. Monday night “and began firing a gun,” the police report reads.
