Homeland Security said one of its employees was slain by an immigrant from the United Kingdom whom the Biden administration approved for citizenship and who had a significant criminal record.
Lauren Bullis, who worked for DHS’ inspector general, was killed while walking her dog in a park in Brookhaven, Georgia, on Monday. Another woman was also killed and a third man injured in what local media called a roving shooting spree.
Authorities named Olaolukitan Adon Abel, 26, from the U.K., as the killer, saying he shot and stabbed Ms. Bullis, 40.
“These acts of pure evil have devastated our Department and my prayers are with the families of the victims,” said new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
The department said Mr. Abel had convictions for sexual battery, battery against a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon and several others on his prior record.
DHS said it has taken steps to stiffen vetting of immigration applications, seeking to identify criminals who still apply for better status in the U.S.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which handles the applications, has also started making neighborhood investigations to probe those applying for citizenship. Part of that review is evaluating someone’s moral character.
The neighborhood visits program began in November and the enhanced vetting center was established in December.
