A 56-year-old man from Shreveport, Louisiana, has been charged by federal authorities after allegedly supplying the weapon used in a mass shooting that killed eight children on Sunday (April 19). Federal officials say Charles Ford faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to investigators, in connection with the gun used by Shamar Elkins during the deadly incident.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced the assault-style pistol used in the attack to Ford, who was not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to his criminal record. Investigators say Ford initially denied having the gun, but later admitted he kept it under the seat of his truck and believed Elkins had taken it. Ford reportedly realized the weapon was missing in early March but did not report it, as noted in a criminal complaint obtained.
The shootings took place at two homes in Shreveport and were described by police as a domestic violence attack. Authorities say Elkins, 31, killed eight children—seven of whom were his own—and injured two women before dying during a police pursuit. The mother of the children is expected to survive. According to the Department of Justice, family members said Elkins had recently expressed “dark thoughts,” and was facing family and financial difficulties.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller stated, “Our law enforcement partners are investigating every angle of how this tragedy came to occur, and this case arises from that investigation—in particular, how Elkins secured a firearm that he used to execute his own children.” He added that holding people accountable extends to those who provide access to firearms used in violent crimes. ATF Special Agent Joshua Jackson echoed this, saying, “Holding people accountable does not stop with the person who pulled the trigger but also includes those who give access to and proliferate firearms that are later used in violent crime.”
Ford faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the gun possession charge and up to five years for making false statements. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday (April 24), when a judge will decide if Ford should remain in custody while his case proceeds.
Recent Comments