Man who shot at 2 people he thought were following him had materials for IEDs: Police

A Wisconsin man, Samuel Kendall, 25, is currently in custody at the Waukesha County Jail, facing a formidable array of charges including four counts of recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property, and one count of possession of improvised explosives. His arrest on July 16, 2026, culminating an intensive multi-agency investigation, has brought to light a disturbing nexus of alleged criminal activities ranging from a public shooting incident in Menomonee Falls to the illicit sale of firearms and the alarming discovery of materials consistent with the assembly of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at his residence. The case underscores the intricate challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing individuals suspected of harboring extremist views while also engaging in dangerous criminal enterprises.

The initial incident that catalyzed the full-scale investigation occurred on June 12, 2026, when police responded to reports of a shooting at a Culver’s restaurant parking lot in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. According to a criminal complaint obtained by local ABC affiliate WISN, Kendall is alleged to have fired a rifle at two individuals seated in their vehicle. One of the victims sustained an injury to the eye, which they initially believed was caused by a BB gun. However, the subsequent police investigation at the scene revealed shell casings consistent with a rifle, specifically a .300 Blackout caliber, a detail that would prove crucial as the inquiry progressed. The apparent discrepancy between the victim’s perception of a BB gun injury and the discovery of high-powered rifle casings immediately raised concerns about the nature and intent behind the assault, suggesting a potentially more dangerous encounter than initially understood.

As law enforcement delved deeper, the suspect vehicle was identified as a silver Lincoln Town Car registered to Kendall. This identification marked a critical turning point, leading investigators directly to Kendall’s doorstep. The execution of an initial search warrant at his home not only provided evidence of his recent sale of a .300 Blackout rifle but also uncovered preliminary indications of explosive materials. These early findings served as a chilling precursor to the more extensive and alarming discoveries that would follow, prompting the involvement of federal agencies and elevating the scope and gravity of the investigation. The methodical gathering of evidence, from the shell casings at the scene to the vehicle registration, demonstrated a precise investigative approach, meticulously piecing together the initial fragments of a complex criminal puzzle.

A Detailed Timeline of Allegations and Investigation

The investigation into Samuel Kendall’s activities reveals a pattern of behavior that predates the Culver’s shooting, suggesting a broader scope of alleged illicit actions. Prior to the June 12 incident, authorities had received multiple reports of suspicious activity in the Menomonee Falls area. These included instances where "Flock cameras," a type of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance technology commonly used by law enforcement, had been intentionally shot out. In a separate but related incident, a couple reported discovering bullet holes on the deck of their home. Significantly, shell casings for a .300 Blackout rifle were also found at this residential location, establishing an early, albeit then unrecognized, link to the weapon type later associated with Kendall. These preliminary acts of vandalism and property damage, targeting both private property and public surveillance infrastructure, indicate a calculated defiance and potential hostility towards established systems long before the more public Culver’s shooting.

The official timeline of the ongoing investigation, as pieced together from various reports and the criminal complaint, paints a picture of escalating alleged offenses:

• Pre-June 12, 2026: Multiple reports surface in Menomonee Falls concerning Flock cameras being shot out and a residential deck sustaining bullet holes. .300 Blackout rifle casings are recovered from the latter scene, providing early ballistic evidence that would later connect to Kendall. These incidents, initially treated as separate acts of vandalism or property damage, would later be re-evaluated within the context of Kendall’s broader alleged criminal pattern, suggesting a deliberate and targeted campaign.
• June 12, 2026: The shooting incident occurs at the Culver’s restaurant parking lot. Two individuals are targeted in their car, with one sustaining an eye injury. Shell casings from a .300 Blackout rifle are found, linking this event to the earlier property damage incidents and establishing a critical investigative thread. The suspect vehicle is identified as a silver Lincoln Town Car.
• June 12 – July 10, 2026 (Intensified Investigation): Police identify Samuel Kendall as the registered owner of the silver Lincoln Town Car. An initial search warrant is executed at Kendall’s residence, yielding evidence of the recent sale of a .300 Blackout rifle and hinting at the presence of explosive materials. This period is marked by diligent forensic work and intelligence gathering, laying the groundwork for federal involvement.
• July 10, 2026: A pivotal development occurs with the involvement of a confidential informant from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Detectives learned that this informant had previously reported purchasing firearms and 3D-printed automatic switches from Kendall. With the assistance and oversight of authorities, the informant conducted a controlled purchase, acquiring a .300 Blackout rifle from Kendall for $1,200. Crucially, the ammunition obtained during this transaction matched the shell casings found at both the Culver’s shooting scene and the home that was allegedly shot at, solidifying the evidentiary chain connecting Kendall to these incidents. The sale of 3D-printed automatic switches raises serious federal concerns, as these devices can convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons, a severe violation of federal firearms laws.
• Post-July 10, 2026: Following the controlled buy, Kendall reportedly sold his distinctive silver sedan to an individual in Waupaca, Wisconsin, for $1,000. He allegedly instructed the buyer to "avoid road cameras" while driving the vehicle, a directive that investigators likely interpreted as an attempt to evade further surveillance and conceal his movements, indicating an awareness of ongoing scrutiny.
• July 16, 2026: Authorities successfully track Kendall to his workplace, where he is taken into custody without incident. During initial questioning, Kendall denies involvement in the Culver’s shooting but admits to shooting at two Flock cameras prior to driving to the restaurant. He claims that while leaving the Culver’s parking lot, he believed a car was chasing him and, "in a panic paranoia state," fired at the ground in front of the pursuing vehicle as a warning. This explanation, while offering a narrative, is subject to scrutiny given the other evidence.
• Post-Arrest Search Warrants: Following Kendall’s arrest, authorities execute search warrants at three distinct locations, including Kendall’s primary residence. In his bedroom, FBI agents make a profoundly concerning discovery: a cache of materials described as components that "can be expeditiously assembled to create a device consistent with an IED and explosives." These materials included various switches, circuit boards designed for radio-controlled activation, unidentified powder, numerous ball bearings, commercial fireworks, digital timers, potassium nitrate, and sulfur powder. Furthermore, agents allegedly found journals containing detailed diagrams and instructions on how to assemble explosive devices, indicating a deliberate intent and understanding of bomb-making.

The Nature of the Allegations: Firearms, Explosives, and Extremist Ideologies

The scope of the allegations against Samuel Kendall extends far beyond a single shooting incident, touching upon serious federal concerns regarding illegal firearms, improvised explosive devices, and the potential influence of extremist ideologies. The details emerging from the investigation paint a troubling picture of an individual allegedly engaged in dangerous activities with potentially far-reaching implications for public safety.

Illegal Firearm Trafficking and Modifications

The repeated appearance of the .300 Blackout rifle in the investigation is significant. The .300 Blackout is a versatile intermediate cartridge, popular for its ballistic performance in short barrels and its compatibility with suppressors, making it a favored choice among some firearms enthusiasts for hunting and tactical applications. Its presence at multiple crime scenes and its alleged sale by Kendall, particularly to a DEA informant, strongly suggests involvement in illicit firearm transactions.

Even more concerning is the allegation that Kendall sold "3D-printed automatic switches."