Deadly Atlanta Attacks: Navy Veteran Charged

Thu Apr 16 2026 19:18:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A U.K. immigrant and former Navy member has been charged in a string of shootings that left two women dead, including a Homeland Security worker.

Olaolukitan Adon Abel, a 26-year-old U.K. native, has been charged in a series of attacks in Atlanta, resulting in two fatalities, one being a Department of Homeland Security employee. The incidents occurred in the early hours, sparking considerable concern and condemnation from officials, including Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Abel, who gained U.S. citizenship in 2022, has a history of criminal activity that raises questions about his citizenship process. Investigations also indicate at least one attack may have involved a random victim.

ATLANTA (AP) — A man who served in the U.S. Navy after immigrating from Britain has been charged in a string of deadly attacks in the Atlanta suburbs that quickly drew the attention of officials.

U.K.-native Olaolukitan Adon Abel, whose name appears in various forms in legal documents, is accused of killing two women, including a Department of Homeland Security employee, and critically injuring another man.

According to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the attacks have been labeled as acts of pure evil. Concerns have arisen regarding Abel, 26, who was granted U.S. citizenship in 2022.

Three Early Morning Attacks

The attacks caused an uproar in the Atlanta suburbs during the early hours of Monday. The first attack claimed the life of 31-year-old Prianna Weathers, found shot near a Decatur restaurant.

Shortly after, around 2 a.m., a homeless man was shot multiple times outside a grocery store in Brookhaven and remains in critical condition.

DHS worker Lauren Bullis, on her morning walk more than 10 miles away from the first attack, was discovered with gunshot and stab wounds around 7 a.m. She was declared dead at the scene.

Officials determined that all three attacks are connected, with at least one victim likely targeted at random.

Victim Remembered Fondly

Bullis, 40, was noted for her dedication and warmth at the DHS Office of Inspector General. Family and colleagues remembered her as a generous and caring individual.

Background of the Suspect

Adon Abel, who joined the Navy in 2020, has a concerning history, having previously pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers while stationed in California. He now faces charges of malice murder and aggravated assault related to the Atlanta attacks. It remains unclear if he had any prior criminal records before obtaining citizenship.