From January to May, he allegedly discussed the idea w/people who he believed to share his #racist beliefs — but who turned out to be an #FBI source & an FBI undercover agent.

Prieto made the plans w/them during meetups at #gun shows across #Arizona, fixating on the racist messages he wanted to send & the desire to “fight back” against #Black, #Jewish & #Muslim people, acc/to the #criminal complaint.

#WhiteSupremacy #PoliticalViolence #Terrorism #NationalSecurity #law

He “wanted it clear that the attack was racially motivated,” #FBI Special Agent Ryan Harp wrote in the complaint. Prieto allegedly said he planned to leave #ConfederateFlags at the #shooting venue & to shout phrases including “Black lives don’t matter, White lives matter.”

#WhiteSupremacy #PoliticalViolence #Terrorism #NationalSecurity #law

Prieto was charged w/ #firearms #trafficking & related counts…. He was jailed in #Arizona & has no attorney listed in that case.

In recent years, factors including #extremism online, mistrust of government & the growing #influence of #ChristianNationalism — including ideas promoted by some #conservative elected officials & candidates — have had an influence on #USpolitics. The country has seen racially motivated #MassShootings in El Paso; Charleston, S.C; Buffalo; & elsewhere.

#law