June 12 (Reuters) - An Arizona man has been indicted on four counts of gun-trafficking crimes after federal prosecutors said an undercover sting operation revealed his plan to kill Black people in a mass shooting to "incite a race war," according to the indictment.

A grand jury indicted Mark Adams Prieto, 58, on Tuesday on charges of gun trafficking, transferring a gun for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered gun. These charges stem from an extensive investigation involving the FBI and undercover operations designed to expose and prevent potential mass violence.

Arrest and Seizure

Prieto was arrested on May 14 while driving east on a New Mexico highway. According to the U.S. attorney's office for the Arizona district, Prieto had seven guns in his vehicle at the time of his arrest. This arrest came after months of surveillance and undercover operations. Prieto had previously informed an FBI undercover agent, who was posing as a racist gun enthusiast, about his intention to drive to Atlanta, Georgia. He planned to conduct reconnaissance for potential venues to attack, with the goal of carrying out the attack before the U.S. presidential election in November.

Undercover Operations and Indictment Details

Between January and May, Prieto met repeatedly with the undercover agent and a confidential source who was secretly assisting the FBI. These meetings took place at various gun shows around Arizona, where Prieto discussed his plans and intentions. Before January, he had already spoken with the FBI source about "carrying out a mass shooting targeting African Americans, Jews, and Muslims," according to the indictment.

The undercover operations revealed that Prieto had a detailed plan. He aimed to incite a race war by targeting high-profile events with significant African American attendance. The undercover agent, the source, and Prieto selected concerts planned for Atlanta on May 14 and May 15 as the initial targets for the mass shooting. Prieto expected these concerts to be attended by a large number of African Americans. However, the indictment did not specify the exact events or venues targeted.

Specific Incidents and Transactions

In March, Prieto sold an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle to the undercover agent at a Phoenix gun show. This transaction was intended to provide the weapon for the planned attack, further cementing Prieto's commitment to his violent plans.

A few weeks later, at another Phoenix gun show, Prieto indicated to the agent that he wanted to delay the attack to a later date. He also mentioned considering a change in target to a mosque, but he remained resolute in his plan to drive east in May for reconnaissance.

Search and Evidence

When Prieto was arrested, he was driving alone. Although he had seven guns in his vehicle, only one was loaded with ammunition. The handgun was the only weapon ready for immediate use. A subsequent search of Prieto's home in Prescott, Arizona, revealed more firearms and ammunition. Among the items found was a rifle that was not registered in his name, adding to the charges against him.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentence

Prieto remains in custody and could not be reached for comment. An attorney representing him did not immediately respond to queries. If convicted on the most serious charge, Prieto faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Broader Context and Impact

This case marks a significant victory for President Joe Biden's administration in its ongoing efforts to combat domestic terrorism and prevent mass violence. The successful undercover operation and subsequent indictment highlight the importance of proactive measures and interagency cooperation in addressing threats to public safety.

Community Response and Future Implications

The arrest and indictment of Prieto have drawn significant attention and concern from the community and law enforcement agencies. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance and swift action to prevent hate crimes and racially motivated violence. It also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals and groups seeking to incite violence and sow discord within society.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case will be closely monitored by both the public and legal experts. The outcome may set important precedents for handling similar cases in the future and reinforce the importance of comprehensive strategies to counter domestic terrorism and hate crimes.