Unfortunately for bootlegger Charlie Birger, he didn't have a Krag to display in this photo. In 1928 he was apparently the last person publicly hung in the state of Illinois.

Fascinating story!

(I didn't realize the KKK was pro-Prohibition and blamed ethnic minorities and Catholics for supporting 'Bootlegging').

Here are closer views of the two guys with likely Krags:

Per 'Wikipedia', Shachna 'Charlie' Birger was born in Russia to Jewish parents in 1881. (1883 appears on his gravestone).

When a child, his family emigrated to the U.S. and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where he grew up.

On July 5th, 1901, he entered the 13th U.S. Cavalry, Troop "G" at Ft. Meade, S.D. He was Honorably Discharged, on July 4th, 1904, and was reported to be a good soldier. (It appears the 13th U.S. Cavalry was in the Philippines from 1903 to 1905. I don't know if Birger saw service in the P.I.).

Apparently, Charles Birger was married four times. It appears, his first wife's name was Beatrice ('Bee'). They divorced.
(His fourth wife was named Bernice).
He worked as a Newsboy, soldier, cowboy, Coal Miner, Mine Operator, Saloon Keep, and Bootlegger & proprietor of the "Shady Rest".

IMHO - He is a lot more interesting than Clyde Barrow. He would make a good subject for a quality movie, about the wild era and area, he lived in!

In the photos, he looks pretty fit for a 'middle-age' man, with bullet proof vest, leather puttees, and all.