FBI says Dayton shooting suspect's friend purchased body armor for him


A friend of the suspect in the mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio that left nine people dead is now facing charges as prosecutors also say he purchased body armor and other items that were used in the attack.
Federal prosecutors are charging Ethan Kollie, a friend of alleged Dayton shooter Connor Betts, for allegedly lying on federal forms when purchasing firearms, with these charges not being related to the shooting, The Associated Press reports.
But Kollie also purchased body armor, a gun accessory, and a magazine that Betts allegedly used in the shooting, although there is no indication that Kollie was aware of his friend's alleged plans, prosecutors said, per the AP. Kollie reportedly told agents about these purchases and said that he did so, and helped Betts assemble his gun, to help him hide the items from his parents, The Daily Beast reports. Prosecutors said the items were kept at Kollie's apartment, The Associated Press reports.
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The FBI is currently investigating the "violent" ideologies of the alleged Dayton shooter NBC News reports but has not made a determination about his motive.
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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