Three individuals are currently facing federal firearm charges in connection with the tragic incident that took place during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Regrettably, one person lost their life, while 22 others sustained injuries.
Fedo Antonia Manning, a 22-year-old individual, has been charged in a 12-count criminal complaint that was unsealed on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr., aged 21, and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves, aged 19, face four federal criminal charges, according to a complaint filed against them.
The defendants did not open fire on February 14 in downtown Kansas City, near Union Station, where the parade had concluded and the rally took place. Last month, two juveniles were apprehended by the police and faced charges in a Jackson County court for gun-related offenses and resisting arrest.
According to federal authorities, Manning, Williams, and Groves were engaged in the illegal trafficking of firearms and the purchase of firearms through straw buyers.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a straw purchase occurs when an individual buys a firearm on behalf of someone who is legally prohibited from owning one or for someone who wants to avoid being linked to the purchase.
U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore stated that at least two of the firearms found at the site of the Union Station mass shooting were acquired or transported illegally. She emphasized the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent criminals from accessing firearms by actively investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal purchase and sale of dangerous weapons.
According to court documents, twelve individuals wielded firearms during the shooting incident, with at least six individuals discharging their weapons. It is believed that the shooting originated from a disagreement among multiple individuals.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, authorities discovered a variety of firearms, including spent shell casings, and various other items at the scene.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, one of the firearms discovered at the scene was a loaded pistol. It was found in a backpack alongside two AR-15-style firearms and backpacks. The affidavit states that Manning had purchased the pistol in 2022.
According to the affidavit, Manning, who did not have a firearms license, is accused of buying numerous guns. Law enforcement later found many of these firearms in the hands of individuals who were not allowed to possess them.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that they have recovered several other firearms that were allegedly purchased by Manning in connection with various criminal investigations.
The authorities have charged him with conspiracy to traffic firearms, engaging in firearm sales without a license, and making false statements on a federal form. Currently, it is uncertain whether Manning has secured legal representation.
Authorities claim that Williams allegedly acquired another pistol at a gun show last year. It is believed that he purchased the weapon for Groves, who accompanied him to the show but was underage and therefore unable to legally buy a firearm.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Groves informed investigators that the gun had been stolen during a “shootout.” However, he chose not to report the theft and instead asked a friend to buy him a new firearm.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Manning and Williams are accused of purchasing firearm receivers or frames. These components house the firing mechanism and internal parts of a firearm. The office states that receivers can be utilized to assemble illegal firearms or can be loaded and fired.
Williams and Groves have been charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of firearms and aiding and abetting making false statements in the acquisition of firearms. Additionally, they are each facing a separate charge of making a false statement to a federal agent. At this time, it is unknown if they have legal representation to speak on their behalf.
