In attack on FBI Cincinnati Office

, gunman is identified

WILMINGTON (Ohio) — A man wearing body armor tried to break into the FBI Cincinnati office. He was killed after fleeing the area and engaging in hours-long struggle in rural Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The confrontation occurred as federal officials warned about an increase in threats to federal agents after a search of the Florida estate of ex-President Donald Trump.

According to an official familiar with the case, the man may have been in Washington during the period leading to the January 6 rebellion and could have been at the Capitol that day. An official briefed on the matter could not speak publicly about details and requested anonymity.

According to the law enforcement officer, Ricky Shiffer was identified as the suspect. 42, According to the law enforcement official, he was not accused of any crime in relation to the attack on Jan. 6. The official stated that federal investigators were looking into whether Shiffer had connections to extremist far-right groups including the Proud Boys.

According to federal authorities,

Shiffer tried to break into the screening area of FBI offices at 9: 15. He fled after agents confronted and arrested him. He fled onto Interstate 71, and was caught by an officer who fired shots at him as he pursued him.

Shiffer abandoned his car at the Cincinnati interstate and left it on rural roads. Dennis stated that he had exchanged shots with officers and received injuries but no other injuries.

Dennis stated that

Shiffer was killed after he pointed a gun at police around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Dennis stated that the fatal encounter with police occurred after unsuccessful negotiations. Police tried to use less lethal tactics but were unsuccessful.

A helicopter flew above the site, while state highway workers blocked roads to the location. Officials rerouted traffic to the area within a mile of the interstate. They urged citizens and businesses owners to stay indoors and lock their doors. Interstate was reopened.

Since federal agents executed Mar-a-Lago’s search warrant, there have been increasing threats against FBI agents. Users of Gab (a popular social media platform for white supremacists, antisemites) have stated that they’re preparing to lead an armed revolution.

Federal officials also monitor a variety of disturbing chatter on Gab or other platforms that threaten violence against federal agents. On Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray visited another FBI office located in Nebraska and denounced these threats.

“Violence towards law enforcement isn’t the solution, regardless of who you are upset with,” Wray stated Wednesday in Omaha.

The FBI warned agents Wednesday to stay clear of protestors and to ensure that their security keys cards “not visible beyond FBI space” due to an increase in threats made to facilities and personnel via social media. Agents should be alert to potential protestors and their environment.

The warning didn’t mention the search for Mar-a-Lago this week, but it attributed online threats to “recent media reports on FBI investigative activities.”

Welsh Huggins reported in Columbus, Ohio. This report was contributed by Michael Balsamo, Washington Associated Press reporter.