Investigators believe the fatal shooting at the Beavercreek Walmart may be racially inspired. The FBI and the Beavercreek Police are sorting through the journal writings connected to the gunman, Benjamin Charles Jones.
Agents say based on evidence collected, the attack may have been at least partially inspired by Racially Motivated Violent Extremist ideology.
According to the FBI, these individuals are driven by a racial or ethnic bias against another group. They also use political and religious justifications to support their ideology, objectives and criminal activities.
Monday night, November 20, at the Walmart Superstore in Beavercreek, police say Benjamin Charles Jones opened fire around 8:35 p.m. inside the retail store. The shooter injured four shoppers, two African American women and a white man and woman. All are recovering.
Police say Jones died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Beavercreek Police released body cam footage following the two officer who found Jones' body.
Additionally, investigators say the 20-year-old bought his weapon on November 18 from a Dayton area store. Jones used a Hi-Point .45 caliber carbine rifle with one 9-round magazine.
Agents are examining the ATF form he filled out during the purchase to determine if any of his answers were inaccurate.
In a released statement, Walmart said: Following Monday’s tragedy at our Beavercreek store, our focus has remained on supporting our associates’ well-being. While speaking with them about when to reopen and resume serving customers, their overwhelming feedback was to do so as soon as possible.
The Beavercreek police and FBI are collaborating in this investigation. They're asking anyone with information about Jones to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or go online at tips.fbi.gov
The super retailer at 3360 Pentagon Boulevard will open at 6 a.m.
