An Atlanta man has been charged in a series of attacks across the metro area that left two women dead, including a Department of Homeland Security employee, and a man critically injured, authorities said.
The suspect, 26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel, was arrested on Monday during a traffic stop in Troup County, near the Alabama border. Court records show he faces charges including two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault and firearms offences. He waived an initial court appearance on Tuesday, and court records did not list an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
The attacks began around 1 a.m. Monday in the Decatur area, where police found a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near a restaurant. She was taken to a hospital but later died. Police have not publicly released her name.
About an hour later, in Brookhaven, a 49-year-old homeless man was shot multiple times while sleeping outside a grocery store. Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said investigators believe the attack was random. The victim remained hospitalised in critical condition.
Shortly before 7 a.m., officers responding to a call in Panthersville found Lauren Bullis with gunshot and stab wounds. Bullis, a DHS Office of Inspector General employee, died at the scene. Investigators later linked the three attacks.
Bullis served in several roles at DHS, including as an auditor and team leader. The department described her as a colleague who brought warmth, kindness and care to those around her. Her family remembered her as “selfless, kind and compassionate,” saying she loved running, reading and travelling.
The case has drawn attention from the Trump administration after DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued a statement condemning the killings as “acts of pure evil.” Mullin also raised questions about Abel’s immigration and citizenship history, saying the UK-born defendant became a U.S. citizen in 2022.
Mullin cited alleged prior crimes, including a sexual battery conviction, though authorities have not made clear whether any criminal record predated Abel’s naturalisation. The United States has long barred many people convicted of serious violent crimes from becoming citizens.
Police said they are still investigating the motive and whether all three victims were chosen at random. Abel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
