Guillermo Cruz Velazquez, an illegal alien from Mexico, faces federal charges after a handgun he allegedly carried onto a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on July 22 fired a bullet that passed through his arm and into another passenger.
“Illegal aliens are not permitted to possess a firearm in our country,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office will prosecute criminals who unlawfully possess and misuse dangerous weapons, putting the public’s safety at risk.”
“A firearm in the hands of a prohibited individual is a serious threat to public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “ATF works closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who disregard our laws and threaten our communities.” Chief M. Scott Kreher of the MARTA Police Department said, “The safety of our passengers and employees remains our top priority. This incident resulted in injuries to an innocent individual, and our thoughts are with those affected. We are working closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners as the investigation continues. Reckless actions that place the public at risk have no place on our transit system, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone who relies on MARTA.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges presented in court allege that Cruz Velazquez was traveling on a MARTA bus when a firearm located in his bag discharged one round that struck both himself and another passenger. Afterward, Cruz Velazquez allegedly fled but was found by police officers following a trail of blood; they recovered both him with an arm wound and the pistol nearby.
Cruz Velazquez appeared in federal court charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States. He will be held by U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings. Members of the public were reminded that these are only charges; guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by several agencies including Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; MARTA Police Department; Sandy Springs Police Department; with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Bircoll is prosecuting this case as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice focused on combating illegal immigration-related crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia serves as principal federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and coordinates cases with national or international dimensions while prioritizing threats such as terrorism or civil rights violations, according to its official website.