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A suspect, masked at the time, is now facing federal charges following a dramatic, high-speed chase that culminated in a crash. This comes after he was accused of fatally shooting two employees inside a Kentucky bank, as revealed in court documents.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Brailen Weaver, allegedly carried out the deadly attack on April 30 at a U.S. Bank branch located in Berea. Authorities report that Weaver entered the bank and quickly shot two employees, resulting in their deaths.
Details from an FBI affidavit outline that Weaver entered the bank around 1:57 p.m. and “immediately shot and killed a male victim,” subsequently shooting a second employee, who was working as a teller, fatally.
In a news conference, Kentucky State Police identified the victims as Breanna Edwards, aged 35, and Brian Switzer, aged 42.
Following the incident, Kentucky State Police distributed an image of the suspect linked to the tragic bank shooting in Berea.
After the shooting, the suspect checked multiple drawers and fled on foot, authorities said.
The case is being investigated as armed bank robbery and gun-related homicide. Weaver faces federal charges, including armed bank robbery, using a firearm in a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm.
Investigators linked Weaver to the crime through surveillance footage, social media activity and a vehicle believed to have been used in the escape.
An image from a social media account linked to suspect Brailen Weaver shows a figure holding cash with the caption, “I pledge allegiance to da bag,” according to federal court documents. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Kentucky)
Authorities say surveillance video captured a suspect matching Weaver’s build wearing a mask, gloves, a light-colored hoodie, gray pants and white sneakers.
A silver BMW seen leaving the area was later tied to a Facebook account associated with Weaver, according to the affidavit.
Images from Weaver’s social media accounts also appeared to show him wearing clothing consistent with what the suspect wore during the robbery, investigators said.
Location data and surveillance later placed Weaver traveling on Interstate 75 the evening of the shooting, leading to a high-speed chase involving federal, state and local authorities.
Investigators say social media posts helped link Brailen Weaver to a vehicle believed to have been used in the Kentucky bank shooting. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Kentucky)
According to investigators, Weaver reached speeds of more than 100 mph, at times hitting approximately 130 mph, before crashing the vehicle and fleeing on foot.
A gun was recovered from the vehicle, authorities said.
Kentucky State Police are searching for a suspect after a deadly shooting at a bank in Berea. (Lexington Herald-Leader/Contributor)
Kentucky State Police previously said a “person of interest believed to be involved” in the robbery had been apprehended after a coordinated search involving multiple agencies.
Switzer leaves behind his wife and three children, according to a GoFundMe created to support his family, which describes the shooting as a “senseless act of violence.” The fundraiser says he was the sole provider and notes his wife now faces raising their children while navigating profound grief and “this kind of turmoil” after the tragedy.
Brian Switzer, 42, was one of two employees killed in the shooting at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Ky., authorities said. (GoFundMe)
U.S. Bank said in a statement to Fox News Digital it is “deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees.”
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community,” the company said, adding it is working closely with law enforcement and supporting those affected.
Breanna Edwards, 35, was one of two employees killed in the shooting at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Ky., authorities said. (Breanna Edwards Facebook)
The company added it does not have additional information to provide at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky said it will hold a news conference to provide an update and additional information regarding the suspect’s arrest and federal charges.
Fox News Digital has also reached out to Kentucky State Police and Weaver’s attorney for additional comment.
The investigation remains ongoing.