Gunman who tried to break into FBI offices is killed.
A gunman who tried to break into the FBI office in Cincinnati on Thursday was killed after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement, authorities say. The suspect has been identified as Ricky Shiffer, according to three federal law enforcement sources.
A separate federal law enforcement source said the suspect was believed to be armed with an AR-15 rifle. After attempting to enter the FBI facility, authorities say he fled and the vehicle was pursued by state police.
When the vehicle chase ended, there was a lengthy standoff that ended when the suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement, according to authorities. The FBI said in a statement that it is investigating the circumstances that led to the suspect’s shooting.
While authorities have not released a motive, the FBI is investigating the man’s social media presence and whether he was connected to right-wing extremism. Authorities are also looking into whether he participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the US Congress or was affiliated with any group that took part in the attack, a separate federal law enforcement source said.
A social media account bearing Ricky Shiffer’s name on the social media platform founded by former President Donald Trump, Truth Social, appears to refer to his attempt to attack an FBI office.