In a significant development following the shooting outside Union Station on February 14, 2024, federal prosecutors have announced that three individuals from Kansas City have been charged in connection with an illegal firearms trafficking investigation. Fedo Antonia Manning, Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr., and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves now face felony charges in federal court.

According to a criminal complaint, it has been revealed that two of the firearms recovered from the shooting, which tragically resulted in one fatality and left 22 others wounded, had been illegally trafficked. In court documents, an ATF special agent stated that during the incident, 12 individuals were seen brandishing firearms, with at least six of them firing their weapons.

Among the recovered firearms was an Anderson Manufacturing, Model AM-15, .223 caliber pistol, which was found alongside two other AR-15 style firearms and backpacks. The ATF agent testified that the pistol was discovered with one live round in the chamber, with an additional 26 live rounds in the magazine, positioned in the "fire" position. The magazine itself is capable of holding up to 30 live .223 caliber rounds of ammunition. The agent further stated that the pistol may have fired three or four rounds before it was discarded. Shockingly, it was revealed that this specific firearm was one of a total of 33 similar firearms purchased by Manning, and was acquired from Frontier Justice 556 days prior to the shooting.

The complaint also alleged that Manning, who is not licensed to sell firearms, transferred guns to others shortly after purchasing them himself on 15 occasions. Another firearm recovered at the scene of the shooting was a Stag Arms, Model Stag-15, 300 caliber pistol, purchased by Williams from a gun shop at the KCI Expo Center in November 2023. Williams was accused of obtaining the weapon for Groves, who accompanied him to the gun show but was unable to make the purchase himself. Both men were accused of lying to federal investigators regarding the acquisition of the firearm.

Federal prosecutors have clarified that the three men charged were not among the shooters at Union Station. Instead, they were allegedly involved in the illegal purchasing and trafficking of some of the firearms used in the mass shooting.

Manning now faces charges of engaging in firearm sales without a license and making false statements on an ATF form. Williams and Groves have been charged with conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of firearms, aiding and abetting making false statements in the acquisition of a firearm, and making false statements to a federal agent.

The charges against these individuals highlight the critical need for stricter measures to prevent the illegal sale and trafficking of firearms. The impact caused by such actions is devastating, as evidenced by the tragic events at Union Station. As the legal proceedings progress, authorities remain committed to ensuring justice and addressing the root causes of gun violence.