U.S. Shootings
Arizona man planned a mass shooting targeting African Americans at an Atlanta concert
The source reported that Prieto had been making alarming comments about inciting a race war and committing mass shooting
In a chilling revelation, federal authorities have indicted Mark Adams Prieto, a 58-year-old resident of Prescott, Arizona, for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a concert in Atlanta with the intent to incite a race war. The indictment, announced on June 11, 2024, follows a comprehensive investigation by the FBI, which uncovered Prieto's detailed plans to target African Americans and other minorities at a high-profile event.
Prieto's arrest on May 14, 2023, marked the culmination of a six-month-long sting operation. He was apprehended in New Mexico while en route from Arizona to Florida, carrying seven firearms. The Department of Justice has charged him with firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted, Prieto faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years for each weapons charge, along with substantial fines.
The investigation into Prieto's activities began in October 2023, when the FBI Phoenix Field Office received a tip from a confidential source. The source reported that Prieto had been making alarming comments about inciting a race war and committing mass shootings. Over the course of more than 15 conversations at various gun shows, Prieto's rhetoric grew increasingly violent and specific, targeting African Americans, Jews, and Muslims.
Prieto's plan centered around a concert scheduled for May 14 and 15, 2024, at Atlanta's State Farm Arena. While the Department of Justice did not specify the concert in question, the dates coincided with performances by Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny. Prieto believed that the event would have a significant African American presence, making it an ideal target for his racially motivated attack.
During the investigation, Prieto sold firearms to undercover FBI agents and a confidential informant, believing they shared his extremist views. In one instance, he sold an AK-47 to an undercover agent for $2,000, explicitly stating that it should be used in the planned attack. Prieto also discussed the logistics of the attack, emphasizing the importance of a high body count and suggesting that they leave Confederate flags at the scene to underscore the racially motivated nature of the violence.
Prieto's conversations with the undercover agents revealed his deep-seated hatred and his desire to incite widespread chaos. He expressed a belief that martial law would be implemented after the 2024 Presidential Election, making it crucial to carry out the attack beforehand. He also instructed his supposed accomplices to use weapons without a paper trail and to wear hoodies to blend in with the concert crowd.
The FBI's surveillance of Prieto included monitoring his activities at gun shows, where he was a vendor. Prieto preferred cash deals and trades to evade the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. His booth at the Crossroads of the West gun shows in Prescott was a focal point for the investigation, as he frequently discussed his violent plans with the undercover agents.
On the day of his arrest, Prieto was found with five firearms in his vehicle, and a subsequent search of his home uncovered additional weapons, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle. During questioning, Prieto admitted to knowing the undercover agents and the confidential source but denied any intention of carrying out the attack. He claimed he was traveling to Florida to visit his mother.
The indictment against Prieto underscores the gravity of his alleged crimes. The charges of firearms trafficking and transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of an unregistered firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Federal authorities have petitioned the court to keep Prieto detained until his initial hearing, citing the severity of the charges and the potential danger he poses to the public. The case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the critical role of law enforcement in preventing such attacks.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, and authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activities. The indictment of Mark Adams Prieto serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to address the root causes of hate and extremism in society.