Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Shooting a Gun on Federal Property During the May 2020 Protests

INDIANAPOLIS – Tyrone Ross, 30, Indianapolis, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ross is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions. The possession of the firearm took place on May 30, 2020, during the protests in response to the murder of George Floyd.

According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, on May 30, 2020, Ross was on federal property in front of the Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse, in downtown Indianapolis, when he pulled out a pistol from under his clothing. Ross then fired multiple shots across Ohio Street, which at the time was filled with numerous pedestrians and vehicles. Ross then ran west on Ohio Street and fired one additional shot in the air in front of the Federal Courthouse.

“Following the murder of George Floyd by police, many peaceful and law-abiding protesters took to the streets in downtown Indianapolis and all over the country to express their outrage and heartbreak. With utter disregard for the lives of everyone present, an illegally armed felon fired multiple shots in this crowded area,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Today’s prison sentence demonstrates that armed criminals who risk the lives of the public will face serious consequences.”

“This sentence should serve as a warning to others who illegally possess a firearm and choose to violate federal law and endanger others in the process,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue our efforts, along with our law enforcement partners, to remove violent criminals from the streets of our community and ensure the safety of our residents.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Ross be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett who prosecuted the case.