In a recent development, three men are facing federal firearm charges in connection to the tragic shooting incident that occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri announced the charges against the individuals involved - Fedo Antonia Manning, Ronnel Dewayne Williams Jr., and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves.

According to the official statement, Manning, 22, was charged with multiple criminal counts, as per a 12-count criminal complaint that was unsealed on Wednesday. Williams, 21, and Groves, 19, were charged jointly in a four-count federal criminal complaint. However, it's important to note that none of the defendants are accused of opening fire during the incident that took place on February 14th in downtown Kansas City, near Union Station where the parade had ended.

Instead, federal authorities have alleged that Manning, Williams, and Groves were involved in illegal firearms trafficking and straw purchases of firearms. Straw purchases, as stated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, refer to the act of buying a gun for someone who is prohibited from possessing one or who wishes to remain anonymous during the transaction.

The investigation revealed that at least two of the firearms used in the shooting were illegally purchased or trafficked. U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore emphasized the commitment to keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals and prosecuting those engaged in illegal gun transactions. Court documents reveal that during the incident, twelve individuals brandished firearms, and at least six fired their weapons. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute involving several individuals.

Law enforcement authorities seized various firearms, spent shell casings, and other evidence from the scene. One loaded pistol was discovered in a backpack alongside two AR-15-style firearms. An affidavit alleges that this pistol was purchased by Manning in 2022. Further investigations found that Manning, who was not a licensed firearms dealer, had bought numerous guns, and many of them were subsequently found in the possession of individuals prohibited from owning firearms.

Williams, on the other hand, allegedly purchased a pistol during a gun show last year. Federal authorities claim that he bought the weapon for Groves, who was too young to legally acquire a firearm. Groves confessed to investigators that the pistol had been stolen during a "shootout," but he didn't report it. Instead, he had another friend purchase a different firearm for him.

The U.S. Attorney's Office also revealed that Williams and Groves purchased firearm receivers or frames, which can be used to either assemble illegal firearms or to load and fire them. The criminal complaint charged both Williams and Groves with conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of firearms and aiding and abetting false statements in their acquisition. Additionally, they each face one count of making a false statement to a federal agent.

It is currently unclear if the defendants have legal representation. As the legal proceedings progress, the authorities aim to ensure accountability and prevent the illegal acquisition and use of firearms. The tragic incident during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade has underscored the importance of addressing gun-related crimes and enforcing proper firearm regulations.