Charles Ford, a 56-year-old resident of Shreveport, was charged on April 21 by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement to federal agents. The charges are related to a firearm that Shamar Elkins used during the mass shooting on April 19. Ford could face up to 15 years in federal prison for the felon-in-possession charge and up to five years for making a false statement.
The case is significant as it addresses how Elkins obtained the weapon used in the tragedy. “Words fall short in the face of the acts Shamar Elkins perpetrated in Shreveport on April 19—they are beyond comprehension or description. 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,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Elkins’ death means that our community will never see him face justice. Our hope, as we continue to investigate and prosecute this case alongside our law enforcement partners, is that holding the person whose gun Elkins used to perpetrate the crime accountable will give some small bit of solace to our Shreveport community.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson said, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (‘ATF’) is engaged and committed to holding people accountable for illegal possession and use of firearms that harm our community. 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.” According to court documents referenced by authorities, Ford initially denied possessing the rifle but later admitted having it under his seat before believing Elkins took it.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana advances public safety and federal law compliance throughout its region according to its official website. The office operates as part of the U.S. Department of Justice according to its official website and covers 42 parishes across two-thirds of Louisiana according to its official website. It works closely with local law enforcement agencies through programs such as Project Safe Childhood according to its official website, upholding federal laws while promoting fair justice for residents according to its official website.
Ford’s prosecution is part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities—including ATF investigators working alongside state police—to address illegal firearms transfers linked with violent crimes within their jurisdiction.
A criminal complaint remains an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
