Phoenix, Arizona – A 58-year-old man from Arizona was indicted by a federal grand jury for plotting a violent attack at a Bad Bunny concert in Atlanta with the intention of starting a race war before the upcoming presidential election, as reported by NBC News. Mark Adams Prieto faces charges of firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm following an FBI investigation that led to his arrest last month.
According to the Justice Department, Prieto, a vendor at gun shows, allegedly planned to incite a race war and carry out a mass shooting targeting African Americans, Jews, and Muslims. He believed that martial law would be enforced after the 2024 election and sought to orchestrate a violent incident before that time. Prieto’s intentions were uncovered by authorities during a three-year investigation.
Prieto allegedly envisioned the attack taking place at a rap concert in Atlanta, where he aimed to leave behind confederate flags as a message of defiance. He expressed white supremacist sentiments and a desire to cause significant harm, emphasizing the importance of a high body count in his plan. The FBI conducted surveillance on Prieto between January and March this year, leading to his eventual arrest in New Mexico.
Despite admitting to discussing the potential attack with an undercover agent and source, Prieto claimed he did not intend to carry out the violent act. Authorities found multiple firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle, in Prieto’s possession. Each charge against him carries severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for firearms trafficking and transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime.
The case against Prieto highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals with extremist ideologies and the importance of law enforcement intervention to prevent potential acts of violence. The indictment serves as a reminder of the diligence required to safeguard public safety and combat hate crimes in society. Despite the alarming nature of the plot, authorities were able to apprehend Prieto before any harm could be inflicted.