An Arizona man, Mark Adams Prieto, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on hate crime and firearm charges after planning a mass shooting at an Atlanta rap concert to incite a “race war.” The Justice Department revealed that Prieto, 58, intended to target Black people and other people of color at a concert in Atlanta on May 14 and May 15.
Prieto’s plan was uncovered through discussions with two individuals working with the F.B.I. who posed as racist extremists. He aimed to spark a “race war” before the presidential election, according to prosecutors. The man was reported to authorities last year by an acquaintance who heard concerning comments about mass shootings targeting Black people and others.
Prieto faces charges including trafficking in firearms, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possessing an unregistered firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison for each firearm trafficking and transfer charge, as well as a maximum 10-year sentence for the unregistered firearm charge. Additionally, he could be fined $250,000 for each count.
Authorities arrested Prieto near Route I-40 in New Mexico on May 14, where they found seven firearms in his vehicle. A search of his home revealed an arsenal of guns, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle and AR-15 and AK-47-style rifles. The investigation into Prieto began after a man who knew him from gun shows reported his alarming comments advocating for mass shootings.
Prieto discussed his mass shooting plans with an undercover agent and an informant at gun shows in Arizona, where he detailed tactics and the use of weapons in the attack. He suggested leaving behind Confederate flags at the attack site and making racially motivated statements. Despite initially claiming he did not intend to go through with the attack, Prieto’s plans were set for May 14 or 15, coinciding with concerts at State Farm Arena.
As the investigation unfolded, Prieto suggested postponing the attack to June or July but emphasized the need to carry it out before the November election. He admitted to planning reconnaissance around the arena in Atlanta but denied intentions to proceed with the attack. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in reporting concerning behavior to prevent potential acts of violence.
