Lauren Bullis, a 40-year-old Department of Homeland Security employee, was brutally killed while walking her dog in DeKalb County, Georgia, in what authorities say was part of a violent and seemingly random series of attacks.
Police say the suspect, Olaolukitan Adon Abel, 26, is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder, aggravated assault, and a range of gun-related offenses.
According to investigators, the violence began just before 1 a.m. Monday, when a woman was shot and killed outside a restaurant. Roughly an hour later, a homeless man was shot multiple times outside a grocery store in nearby Brookhaven.
Hours later, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Bullis was attacked.
Authorities say she was both shot and stabbed during the assault and later died from her injuries.
Officials have described the series of incidents as random, sending shockwaves through the local community and federal workforce alike.
Bullis worked in the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security, where colleagues remembered her as a dedicated public servant.
“She was a respected colleague whose contributions and presence will be greatly missed,” the department said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends… We strongly condemn this act of violence.”
Her family painted a picture of a life full of warmth and purpose.
They said she “deeply loved her family and found joy in running, reading, and traveling,” adding that her “generosity touched everyone surrounding her.”
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin called the killing “acts of pure evil” and said the department was mourning alongside the victims’ families.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the suspect’s movements and motive.
Mullin also confirmed the suspect was naturalized under the Biden Administration in 2022. Abel was born in the United Kingdom and has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for sexual battery, battery against a police officer, obstruction, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism, Mullin said.
“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,” Mullin said. “These acts of pure evil have devastated our Department, and my prayers are with the families of the victims.”
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 naturalized by the Biden Administration in 2022.
Since President Trump took office, @USCIS has implemented measures to…
— Secretary Markwayne Mullin (@SecMullinDHS) April 15, 2026
