FedEx shooter’s motives unclear
Ex-worker bought rifles after police took shotgun
INDIANAPOLIS – The suspected gunman in a mass shooting that left eight people dead at a FedEx building legally purchased the two rifles used in the massacre months after a shotgun was seized from his home, authorities said.
A trace of the two guns revealed that the 19-year-old man legally bought the rifles in July and September last year. Police declined to say where he bought the guns.
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan said the shooter’s mother contacted law enforcement in March 2020 to report that he might try
to commit “suicide by cop.”
Records show the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department conducted a mental health check and list Brandon Scott Hole as being arrested. The report says police seized a shotgun “from dangerous person.”
Police placed Hole on an immediate detention mental health temporary hold. The FBI interviewed Hole again a month later based on “items observed in the suspect’s bedroom” and said no violent extremist ideology was found or criminal violation detected. The shotgun was not returned.
Hole, a former FedEx employee, died by suicide after going to the FedEx Plainfield Ground Operations Center on Thursday night and opening fire in the parking lot, then inside the building, killing eight and wounding several others.
Levi Miller, who works at the FedEx facility, told the “Today” show he was eating with co-workers when they heard several gunshots.
“I assumed it was a muzzle problem with a car,” he said. Miller was outside the building and heard about a dozen more shots fired rapidly. He saw a “hooded figure.”
Miller said he thought the gunman saw him, so he ducked for cover.
Police have not revealed a motive for the rampage. Four of the victims were of Sikh descent, and the Sikh Coalition called for a hate crime investigation.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that Sikh community members are among those injured and killed by the gunman in Indianapolis,” coalition Executive Director Satjeet Kaur said in a statement.
The victims were identified as Amarjeet Johal, 66; Jasvinder Kaur, 50; Amarjit Sekhon, 48; Jaswinder Singh, 68; Karli Smith, 19; Samaria Blackwell, 19; Matthew R. Alexander, 32; John Weisert, 74.
Saturday evening, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett joined Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., and other officials, as well as co-workers, family and friends of those whose lives were lost, at a candlelight vigil at Krannert Park.
Some mourners issued calls for stronger gun laws.
“We can’t continue living with the constant threat of gun violence everywhere we go,” Carson said. “It’s not normal. It will never be normal . ... Let’s turn this tragedy into a catalyst of change and create safer communities for all Americans.”
City Council President Vop Osili called for “an adult discussion without rancor” about gun violence and how to ensure no other mass shootings occur.
Hole’s family issued a statement Saturday: “We are devastated at the loss of life caused as a result of Brandon’s actions; through the love of his family, we tried to get him the help he needed,” the statement said. “Our sincerest and most heartfelt apologies go out to the victims of this senseless tragedy. We are so sorry for the pain and hurt being felt by their families and the entire Indianapolis community.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn that Sikh community members are among those injured and killed.” Satjeet Kaur Sikh Coalition