British-born US citizen accused of Georgia double murder in shooting spree
A British-born man who became a United States citizen in 2022 has been arrested and accused of shooting and killing two women in the US state of Georgia, in what officials have described as "acts of pure evil."
Suspect identified as Olaolukitan Adon Abel
Olaolukitan Adon Abel, aged 26, was taken into custody by police in Troup County, southwest of Atlanta, following coordination with local detectives. The arrest occurred without incident. Abel faces charges in connection with the deaths of two women and the shooting of a man who remains in critical condition.
One of the victims has been identified as Lauren Bullis, an employee of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that Ms Bullis was "brutally shot and stabbed to death" in an attack he characterized as "pure evil."
Secretary Mullin's statement on the attacks
In a detailed statement, Secretary Mullin revealed: "On Monday a DHS employee, Lauren Bullis, was brutally shot and stabbed to death by Olaolukitan Adon Abel, a 26-year-old, born in the United Kingdom, who was naturalised by the Biden administration in 2022."
He added: "He has also been arrested for the murder of an unidentified woman whom he reportedly shot outside a Checkers, before randomly shooting a homeless man multiple times outside a Kroger in Brookhaven. These acts of pure evil have devastated our department and my prayers are with the families of the victims."
Further shootings and investigation details
The Brookhaven Police Department issued a statement indicating that further investigation has revealed Abel is also responsible for other shootings that occurred earlier in unincorporated DeKalb County. Authorities emphasized that this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Background: US navy service and prior charges
Military records obtained by The Associated Press show that Abel enlisted in the US Navy in 2020. His last assignment was with the helicopter maritime strike squadron in Coronado, California, where he served as a petty officer and received a Navy commendation for superior performance in battle readiness.
However, in 2024, Abel was arrested and charged with assaulting two Coronado police officers and attacking another person. Court records reviewed by the AP indicate he was subsequently discharged from the Navy in September of that year.
Abel's naturalization as a US citizen in 2022, as noted by Secretary Mullin, adds a significant dimension to the case, highlighting his transition from British birth to American citizenship prior to the alleged crimes.
