A Department of Homeland Security employee was "brutally shot and stabbed to death" Monday, according to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, in a shooting spree across the Atlanta area, in which one other person was killed and a third is in critical condition.
Lauren Bullis was walking her dog on Monday, when she was randomly attacked, allegedly stabbed and shot by Olaolukitan Adon Abel, a 26-year-old born in the United Kingdom who was naturalized in 2022, Mullin said.
"He possesses a prior criminal record that includes convictions for sexual battery, battery against a police officer, obstruction, and assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and now stands accused of murdering @DHSgov employee Lauren Bullis by shooting and stabbing her while she walked her dog," Mullin wrote on X.
Bullis served in multiple roles in the DHS Office of Inspector General: auditor in the Office of Audits and as a team leader in the Office of Innovation, the agency said in a statement.
"In every role she held, Lauren exemplified dedication to the OIG mission," DHS said. "Lauren approached her work with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to excellence that strengthened our organization and the communities we serve. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lauren was a bright spot for so many of the DHS community. She brought warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care to her colleagues each day."
Mullin said Abel was arrested for reportedly shooting a woman to death outside a restaurant before "randomly shooting a homeless man multiple times" outside a supermarket. ABC affiliate WSB reported that man is in critical condition.
Police said Abel, 26, shot and stabbed Burris about four hours later, according to WSB.
Police raided a home that the suspect rented near where Burris was attacked and arrested Abel, who faces at least six charges, including murder, aggravated assault and possession of a gun as a convicted felon, WSB reported.