Local authorities have apprehended a man carrying five guns and body armor into a Publix in the Atlanta area. Authorities descended upon the grocery store at approximately 1:30 p.m. after the store’s manager spotted the man and alerted the authorities.
“A witness observed the male and alerted store management, who then notified police,” Anthony Grant of the Atlanta Police Department told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
The man in question has been identified as Rico Marley. Marley was reportedly carrying three pistols and two long guns. He has been charged with reckless endangerment.
“We are cooperating with local law enforcement on an incident that occurred earlier today in our Atlantic Station store,” Publix stated.
“We are thankful that there were no injuries, and all were able to exit the store safely. The store is currently closed.”
Marley’s arrest comes shortly after eight people were killed in Georgia during a shooting spree. The accused shooter, Robert Aaron Long, is facing eight counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault. Further away, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa has been arrested and charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder after 10 people were killed during a shooting spree in Boulder, Colorado. This recent string of activity has encouraged political leaders to call for stricter gun laws.
“It is long past time for those with the power to fight this epidemic of gun violence to do so. It will take time to root out the disaffection, racism and misogyny that fuels so many of these senseless acts of violence,” he said.
“But we can make it harder for those with hate in their hearts to buy weapons of war.”
