Mass shooting at Walmart in Beavercreek may have been ‘racially motivated’ incident

UPDATE: As the investigation into the November 20, 2023, shooting at the Walmart in Beavercreek, Ohio continues, the FBI – Cincinnati and Beavercreek Police Department are providing an investigative update.

The victims injured during the attack include a Caucasian female, two African American females, and a Caucasian male.

To date, the investigation has revealed the following information:

• 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. The FBI will continue to investigate the motivating factors leading to this attack.

• The attacker used a Hi-Point .45 caliber carbine with one 9-round magazine. The weapon was purchased on November 18, 2023, from a store in the Dayton area. Investigators are continuing to look at the background of the subject to determine if any of his answers on the ATF Form 4473 were inaccurate.

This investigation remains very active as the FBI thoroughly examines the attacker’s background, motive, connections, and online activity. Anyone with information regarding Benjamin Charles Jones is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Original Report:

The FBI is requesting information about 20-year-old Benjamin Charles Jones from Dayton, who shot and injured four individuals at the Beavercreek Walmart on Monday night before ultimately taking his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities reported that the shooting occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. on Monday at the Walmart located at 3360 Pentagon Boulevard. According to a 911 caller, a man entered the Walmart with a rifle and initiated gunfire.

The victims, consisting of three females and one male, were discovered shot throughout the store.

All four individuals were shoppers. In a Tuesday update, the police revealed that three victims are in stable condition, while one remains in critical but stable condition. The condition of the latter victim has shown steady improvement since the incident.

Law enforcement reported that officers swiftly arrived within minutes of the 911 call and discovered the body of the shooter behind the vision center.

Identified as 20-year-old Benjamin Charles Jones, the suspect apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Body camera footage shared on Tuesday captures an officer entering the store and promptly locating the suspect’s body.

The officer can be heard saying, “Got ’em. Shooter’s down.” On Wednesday, the police released a photograph of the suspect, urging anyone with information to contact the FBI Cincinnati field office.

Zrinka Dilber, the assistant special agent in charge of the Cincinnati FBI Field Office, mentioned that they are examining the suspect’s background to uncover a potential motive and determine if there was any connection to the victims.

At present, the police have conducted a search at Jones’ residence and his car, which was still in the Walmart parking lot. Authorities stated that Jones is originally from the Dayton area but had relocated before returning about a year ago.

Dilber urged the public to share any tips they might have by contacting the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL FBI.