United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced on Mar. 26 that Adrian Walker, a Canadian national, has been indicted on federal firearms and immigration charges following his arrest earlier this week in Lee County.
Walker, age 28, faces charges for illegal entry and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. He was wanted by Toronto Police Services on a Canada-wide warrant for first degree murder and attempted murder after a violent shooting occurred in Toronto on May 7, 2024. Walker had been named as a “Most Wanted Person” by the Toronto authorities.
Law enforcement agents captured Walker in Tupelo, Mississippi, on Monday, March 23. Agencies involved included the United States Marshals Service and its Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). His initial arrest was based on an immigration violation warrant.
Leary said: “As previously stated, this was a serious case. A Canadian national, wanted for murder, entered our country illegally and was living in our midst. This case highlights the danger our law enforcement agents face while doing their job. Our agents and officers work for you and are more than willing to place themselves in harm’s way to protect our citizens. Working together, we can make Mississippi a safer place. A special shout out goes to our partners at United States Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Good job! Please know that the United States Attorney’s Office has your back.”
The prosecution is being handled by Clyde McGee and John Herzog Jr., with investigation led by the Homeland Security Task Force as part of Operation Take Back America—a federal initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as transnational criminal organizations.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
