Kalamazoo Felon Sentenced for Gun Crime Ties

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Bilal Rashaad McDaniel, 30, of Kalamazoo, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, with ties to prior shootings in the city.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, McDaniel was arrested in October 2023 after officers found two handguns, various ammunition, and narcotics during a search warrant at his home and car. One handgun had an extended magazine attached and had previously been transported across the state line. The other firearm was linked to two prior shootings and one homicide in the summer of 2023, with the homicide still under investigation.

“Gun violence is an epidemic across America and here in Michigan that inflicts immense trauma on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office, together with our law enforcement partners, will not relent in our efforts to hold accountable those few individuals who are driving violence in our communities. Every person, regardless of where they live, deserves to live their life, walk their neighborhood, and play in the park free from the fear of gunfire.”

“Removing violent offenders from our communities is ATF’s highest priority,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “We are proud of our long-standing partnerships in the law enforcement community expanding efforts to disrupt and dismantle these violent criminals.”

The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney LaToyia Carpenter and investigated by the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. McDaniel’s sentence is a significant blow to gun violence in Kalamazoo, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing crimes with firearms.

As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to combat gun violence, a summer program has been announced to target firearms offenders who carry crime guns. This program is a step in the right direction to disrupt and dismantle violent crime groups in Michigan.

The sentencing of McDaniel is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in Michigan to keeping their communities safe. It is our hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who would consider committing similar crimes.

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