FBI: Oregon District shooter ‘fantasized about mass shootings,’ however no specific warnings seen

DAYTON — A 26-month long investigation into the deadly mass shooting in the Oregon District found “the attacker fantasized about mass shootings, serial killings, and murder-suicide for at least a decade without sharing specific details with friends or family,” according to the FBI.

>> FBI investigation into Oregon District Mass Shooting closed

The Oregon District shooting case was closed by the FBI and the Dayton Police Department Monday morning following over 125 interviews across the country and the review of over 950 surveillance videos.

The FBI determined Connor Betts “was solely responsible for the injuries and deaths that were a result of his actions.”

The investigation uncovered that Betts “had a history of mental illness, as well as suicidal and violent fantasies, there were no specific warnings he intended to commit a crime.”

“There was also no indication that the attacker discussed his intentions to conduct a violent attack with friends or family,” the FBI said in its assessment of the attacker’s motivation.

In its report the FBI said Betts’ fantasies about mass shootings and other violence “underscores the importance of bystanders’ attentiveness to more subtle changes an individual may exhibit that could be indicative of their decision to commit violence, such as a change in personal circumstances, an increase in perceived stressors, or language indicating they may be contemplating suicide.”

During interviews with Betts’ friends and peers the FBI said it suggested “bystander fatigue” may have been a major factor and to why he hadn’t been reported prior to committing violence. “Bystander fatigue” is used by the FBI to describe the passivity of people “due to their prolonged exposure to the person’s erratic or otherwise troubling behavior over time,” the FBI said.

The FBI and Dayton Police Department commended all of the agencies involved in responding to the Oregon District shooting.

“Finding answers for the victims and their families has been a driving motivator each day,” said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “From the start, this has been a thorough and deliberate investigation. Due to technical challenges accessing lawfully acquired evidence that was encrypted, this investigation has taken significantly longer than expected. However, we are confident that it has uncovered the key facts and that we have done everything in our ability to provide answers to all those impacted by this horrible attack.”

The FBI is not expected to release any further updates on the Oregon District Shooting, the agency said.

Below are previous stories and investigations from News Center 7 on the Oregon District Shooting:

>>Oregon District Shooting: Stories of survival, hope, and change

>>The victims of the Oregon District Shooting

>>Oregon District Shooting: College seniors share their story of survival

>>Oregon District shooting: FBI continues combing through investigation

>>Oregon District Shooting: Ned Peppers Bouncer reflects on anniversary

>>City officials planning permanent memorial for Oregon District shooting victims

>>Oregon District Mass Shooting: Coping with emotional trauma

>>Oregon District Shooting: Rep. Mike Turner recounts daughter’s escape from mass shooting

>>Oregon District: ‘I saw more dead people…than I did anytime in Iraq;’ Retired officer reflects on mass shooting

>>Survivor story: Hit by a bullet, how Alana Young survived that night

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