FBI: Dayton mass shooter fantasized about killing
The 24-year-old shooter who killed nine people in Dayton’s Oregon District fantasized about mass shootings, serial killings and murder-suicide for at least a decade before launching his attack in August 2019, the FBI concluded.
However, after an exhaustive investigation, the FBI found no evidence that he shared those violent fantasies with others.
Federal Bureau of Investigation said Monday it closed out a two-year investigation of shooter Connor Betts, concluding that there were no specific warnings that he intended to commit mass murder and his friends and family were kept in the dark.
In less than 35 seconds, Betts shot his best friend, murdered his sibling, killed eight others, wounded dozens and sent people running in terror. Dayton police on duty that night ran toward Betts, shooting him dead before he could enter a crowded bar.
The investigation entailed more than 125 interviews, a review of over 950 surveillance videos and an analysis of electronic devices, social media content and other evidence.
The FBI’S behavioral analysis unit examined Betts’ long-standing fascination with mass violence, a decade-long struggle with multiple mental health stressors and the loss of stabilizing anchors in his life just before the Aug. 4, 2019 attack. The two-page summary of the investigation did not specify what destabilized Betts.
The FBI said the case underscores the importance of bystanders paying attention to subtle changes in someone that could indicate they’re contemplating violence or suicide.
“He acted alone and was not directed by any organization or aligned to any specific ideological group,” the FBI concluded.
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers said in a statement that the investigation took longer than expected due to technical challenges accessing encrypted information.
“However, we are confident that it has uncovered the key facts and that we have done everything in our ability to provide answers to all those impacted by this horrible attack,” Rivers wrote.
Days after the tragedy, a crowd shouted “do something” at Gov. Mike Dewine during a candlelight vigil in the Oregon District and the governor promised to take action. But more than two years later, the bulk of Dewine’s gun reform plan never gained traction in the Gop-controlled Ohio General Assembly.
Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.