Dayton shooter expressed "desire to commit a mass shooting" and explored "violent ideologies"

Law enforcement officials said Tuesday that the gunman who went on a shooting rampage in Dayton, Ohio, had been "exploring violent ideologies" and "had a history of obsession with mass shootings." Officials have not made any conclusions on the gunman's motive for the shooting that left nine dead, including his sister.

"The materials reviewed thus far reveal that the individual had a history of obsession with violent ideations to include mass shootings and had expressed the desire to commit a mass shooting," said Dayton police chief Richard Biehl, who held a press briefing along with FBI special agent in charge Todd Wickerman.

"We have uncovered evidence throughout the course of our investigation that the shooter was exploring violent ideologies," Wickerman added. "Based upon this evidence we're initiating an FBI investigation side by side with the Dayton police homicide investigation."

The FBI said there seems to be no "racial motivation" for the massacre.

Police have said they found at least 41 shell casings at the Dayton, Ohio, crime scene that came from the gumman's legally obtained AR-15 like rifle. And he may have had enough ammunition on him to fire up to 250 rounds, but police stopped him just as he tried to storm inside a packed bar. 

Cellphone video showed the chaos inside that crowded Ned Peppers Bar in Dayton's Oregon District when police stormed in, just seconds after officers shot and killed the gunman, who was later identified as Connor Betts. He can be seen facedown on the video in the bar's doorway, with police weapons pointed at him. 

"Hearing a weapon fired like that in succession like that, and you don't know where it's coming from, like literally running for your life," survivor Caitlin Mougey said, who was in the area when the shooting began. She went back to the scene Monday to pay respects to those who lost their lives. 
 
"I just think that this is really sad," Mougey said. "And things aren't getting done to fix it."

During a Tuesday evening press conference, police read a statement on behalf of the Betts family:

The Betts family is shocked and devastated by the events of Sunday morning in the Oregon District. They offer their most heartfelt prayers and condolences to all of the victims, their families and friends. They thank the first responders from the Dayton Police and Fire Department for their quick response to minimize casualties and to all who provided aid and comfort to the victims. They also thank Chief Doherty and the Bellbrook Police Department for providing a peaceful environment surrounding their home.

The Betts family is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into this tragedy. They respect the investigative process being conducted by the Dayton Police Department and the FBI and will not comment further on the investigation. The Betts family would like to express their enormous gratitude and love for everyone that has reached out and given their support during this awful time. They ask that everyone respect the family's privacy in order to mourn the loss of their son and daughter and to process the horror of Sunday's events.

Thank you.

Peter Martinez contributed to this report.

In:
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Shooting
• Crime