Benjamin Charles Jones: Officials say Ohio Walmart shooter may have been motivated by racial extremism
BEAVERCREEK, OHIO: The FBI revealed a possible motive for the November 20 Walmart shootout in a press conference, reported People.
"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,” stated FBI officials.
What is Racially Motivated Violent Extremism (RMVE)?
According to a research paper published by RAND Corporation, RMVE "refers to a loosely organized movement of individuals and groups that espouse some combination of racist, anti-Semitic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, misogynistic, and homophobic ideology."
Also known as Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism (REMVE), the influenced members "see their race or ethnicity under threat and promote the use of or engage in violence against a given population group."
The research states that the majority of the followers are motivated by cultural nationalism or White supremacy, as well as the overlapping concept of White nationalism.
"More common terms related to REMVE include far-right extremism, right-wing terrorism, radical right, or extreme right, which are used more frequently in literature and by other countries," the paper added.
Who was Benjamin Charles Jones?
Jones, 20, walked into a local Ohio Walmart at around 8.35 pm on the day of the incident "and began firing a gun," according to updates from the Beavercreek Police Department on X.
Four people were injured in the assault, including a Caucasian female, two African-American females, and a Caucasian male. They were transported to nearby hospitals.
UPDATE: There is no active threat. A male walked into the Walmart in Beavercreek around 8:35 p.m. Monday and began firing a gun, injuring four people. The victims were transported to area hospitals and their conditions are unknown at this time.
— Beavercreek PD (@beavercreekohpd) November 21, 2023
The building was evacuated and secured by the officials.
The department posted, "A fifth person, the shooter, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," adding, "No shots were fired by any responding police officers."
During the press conference, the FBI revealed that the weapon used in the assault, a Hi-Point .45 caliber carbine, was bought by Jones two days before the shooting. The paperwork for the purchase is being verified by the agents.
A spokesperson from Walmart told People in a statement, "We’re heartbroken by what’s happened at our Beavercreek, Ohio store. This remains a developing situation, and we’re working closely with investigators on the scene. All questions should be directed to local law enforcement."
