A federal grand jury has indicted Mark Adams Prieto, a 58-year-old man from Prescott, for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Bad Bunny concert held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The indictment includes charges related to firearms trafficking, planning a hate crime, and possession of unregistered firearms. Prieto’s intended targets were African American and other minority concert-goers, with the purported aim of inciting a race war before the 2024 US Presidential Election, according to a spokesperson from the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office.

Alleged Plot and FBI Sting Operation

Prieto’s alleged plan came to light during discussions with undercover FBI agents, whom he believed shared his extremist views. Over the span of several months, from January to May of this year, Prieto engaged in conversations detailing his intentions and eventually sold two rifles—an AK-style rifle in February and an AR-style rifle in March—to one of the undercover agents. The FBI, monitoring his activities closely, apprehended Prieto on May 14 while he was en route from Arizona to Atlanta, seizing seven firearms from his possession. Subsequent searches of his residence in Prescott uncovered additional weapons, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

Legal Ramifications and Potential Penalties

If convicted on charges of firearms trafficking and transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, Prieto faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, possession of an unregistered firearm carries a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, also with a fine of up to $250,000. Despite not causing any physical harm, Prieto’s arrest underscores law enforcement’s proactive approach in preventing potentially catastrophic acts of violence.

Law Enforcement Efforts and Collaborative Investigation

The case is being investigated by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, with collaboration from various local and national agencies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is leading the prosecution, supported by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. This multi-agency effort highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in thwarting threats to public safety.

Conclusion: Preventing Potential Tragedies Through Vigilance

Mark Adams Prieto’s indictment serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to prevent acts of violence motivated by extremism. The swift action by law enforcement, aided by meticulous undercover operations and collaborative investigative efforts, demonstrates a commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law.

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