BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that it believes the Beavercreek Walmart shooter, Benjamin Charles Jones, was "inspired by racially motivated violent extremist (RMVE) ideology."


What You Need To Know

  • Four victims were injured in the attack Monday night, which the FBI said were a white woman and male, as well as two African American women

  • The FBI released no other details into Jones' motive, but said it will continue to investigate

  • During a press conference Tuesday, Lindsey said the department received the first 911 call at 8:36 p.m. when Jones walked into the Walmart on the 3300 block of Pentagon Boulevard with a Hi-Point .45 caliber carbine with one nine-round magazine
  • The FBI confirmed Wednesday the rifle was purchased at a store in the Dayton area on Nov. 18

Four victims were injured in the attack Monday night, which the FBI said were a white woman and male, as well as two African American women. Beavercreek Acting Police Chief Capt. Chad Lindsey said they were all shoppers. 

The FBI released no other details into Jones' motive, but said it will continue to investigate. 

"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," the FBI wrote in a statement. 

During a press conference Tuesday, Lindsey said the department received the first 911 call at 8:36 p.m. when Jones walked into the Walmart on the 3300 block of Pentagon Boulevard with a Hi-Point .45 caliber carbine with one nine-round magazine. The FBI confirmed Wednesday the rifle was bought Nov. 18 from a store in the Dayton area.

Lindsey said police officers were dispatched within a minute and got to the scene at 8:39 p.m. After hearing a gunshot from inside the store, Jones was found on the ground at 8:42 p.m. and died from an self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

"In the face of adversity, the strength in our community shines through," said Beavercreek Mayor Bob Stone during Tuesday's press conference. "Together, we unite in support and resilience during these challenging moments."

While the FBI continues to investigate Jones, 20, they know we was a resident of Dayton, moved away and then moved back into town a little under a year ago. 

Lindsey said the police served search warrants of Jones' home, as well as his vehicle, which was in the parking lot. They also are speaking with family, which Lindsey said is in the area, as well as witnesses. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families impacted by this horrific tragedy. The well-being of our police officers and first responders is also paramount. Our police wellness programs and established protocols are actively engaged to support them as they deal with the emotional impact of this event," The Beavercreek Police Department wrote in a statement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI are assisting in the investigation.