Man Arrested in Florida for Allegedly Plotting Mass Shooting at Louisiana Festival
A man was arrested Wednesday night at a hotel in Destin, Florida, on suspicion of planning a mass shooting at a large festival in Louisiana. He is being extradited to face charges.
Arrest and Evidence
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies took the suspect into custody as a fugitive from justice. During the arrest, law enforcement recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from the hotel room.
Suspect Identification
Media reports have identified the suspect as Christopher Gillum. Alex Carrasquillo, a communications manager for the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, confirmed that Gillum was formerly employed by the Chapel Hill Police Department from 2004 to 2019.
Investigation and Charges
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office stated that federal authorities identified the suspect as a potential threat to commit a mass shooting at a large festival in Louisiana. The sheriff’s office added that the suspect was wanted by the Department of Public Safety for terroristic threats.
Louisiana State Police spokesperson Trooper Danny Berrincha stated that the agency is investigating the matter in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Berrincha also stated that there are no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana at this time.
The specific festival was not officially named by law enforcement. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which attracts approximately 460,000 attendees, is scheduled to take place from April 24 to May 3.
Official Statements
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno commended the interagency coordination involving law enforcement from multiple states, including Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
The FBI office in New Orleans did not respond to a request for comment. It is not known if the suspect has legal representation.