The suspect was identified in the security footage. – County Local News (2024)

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Arizona man federal charges
2. Atlanta mass shooting plot

An Arizona man, Mark Adams Prieto, was arrested for planning a mass shooting in Atlanta targeting African Americans to incite a race war ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. Prieto, indicted by a federal grand jury, expressed his desire to recruit individuals to help carry out the attack. The FBI’s investigation found that Prieto sold firearms at gun shows and planned to commit the attack at a rap concert in Atlanta. Prieto’s racially motivated plan included leaving Confederate flags to send a message. He was apprehended with seven firearms while en route to Florida. The case highlights the importance of vigilance against hate crimes. Law enforcement in Prescott executed a search warrant at the home of an individual, discovering additional firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The suspect, Prieto, now faces charges for firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Each conviction carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Separately, a conviction for possession of an unregistered firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prieto’s trial date has not yet been set. Stay updated with WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter for more news.

Arizona Man Arrested for Plotting Mass Shooting in Atlanta to Incite Race War

ATLANTA — An Arizona man, Mark Adams Prieto, was arrested in May for planning a mass shooting in Atlanta targeting African Americans in the city to incite a race war. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Prieto is accused of selling rifles to people to provide weapons to begin a race war ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.

The arrest came after a months-long investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, culminating in Prieto’s indictment by a federal grand jury. The investigation began in October 2023 when a reliable source reported that Prieto expressed a desire to incite a race war before the 2024 United States Presidential Election.

The source told FBI agents that they had spoken to Prieto at various gun shows over three years, where Prieto’s comments became increasingly suspicious and alarming, including advocating for a mass shooting targeting African Americans, Jews, or Muslims. Prieto believed that martial law would be implemented after the 2024 election and wanted a mass shooting to occur before that.

Prieto, who worked as a gun show vendor in Prescott, Arizona, sold numerous firearms from his personal collection, often conducting trades “off book” to avoid detection by authorities. The FBI put Prieto under surveillance from January to March, where he was seen discussing his plans for an attack with undercover agents and the confidential source.

During these conversations, Prieto detailed his intentions to commit crimes of violence against African Americans in Atlanta, specifically at a rap concert, where there would be a high concentration of African Americans. He expressed his desire to leave Confederate flags at the scene to send a message and emphasized that a high body count of victims was crucial to his plan.

In February, Prieto sold a firearm to an undercover agent for $2,000 and continued to discuss his plans for the attack, targeting a rap concert at State Farm Arena in midtown Atlanta. However, his plans were thwarted when law enforcement officers stopped him on Interstate 40 while traveling to Florida to visit his mother. Prieto was found in possession of seven firearms and taken into federal custody.

The case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts in preventing potential acts of domestic terrorism and violence. The FBI’s thorough investigation and swift action in arresting Prieto likely prevented a tragic incident in Atlanta. As the case unfolds in court, the community and authorities remain vigilant against such threats to public safety.

Law Enforcement Conducts Search at Prescott Residence

Law enforcement officials recently executed a search warrant at a residence in Prescott, uncovering a cache of firearms. According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, the search revealed several firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

Charges Filed Against Prieto

Following the search, the individual residing at the property, identified as Prieto, has been indicted on charges related to firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. These are serious offenses that carry significant penalties upon conviction.

Potential Penalties for Conviction

Justice officials have outlined the potential penalties for each of the charges Prieto is facing. A conviction for trafficking firearms or transferring a firearm for a hate crime could result in up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Possession of an unregistered firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Prieto’s Trial Date Yet to Be Set

While Prieto has been indicted on these charges, a trial date has not yet been set. The legal process will continue to unfold as Prieto faces the allegations against him.

Stay Informed with WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter

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Community Leaders Search for Missing 12-Year-Old

In other news, community leaders are continuing their search for a missing 12-year-old girl, Maria Gomez-Perez, who disappeared from her Hall County home on May 29. The search has entered its second week, with no sign of the young girl.

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