Man Arrested in Florida for Alleged New Orleans Shooting Plot

A man was taken into custody in Florida after authorities uncovered intelligence suggesting he planned a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans. The arrest, made by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, stemmed from information indicating potential terroristic threats.

Arrest Details and Charges

Christopher Gillum, a resident of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was apprehended without incident on Wednesday evening at a hotel in Destin, Florida. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the arrest followed the detection of his presence in the area via the county’s Flock camera system.

• Charges: Gillum is wanted in Orleans Parish on charges related to making terroristic threats.
• Alleged Plan: Authorities stated that intelligence indicated Gillum planned to travel to a New Orleans festival to conduct a mass shooting, followed by suicide by cop.

Evidence Recovered

During the investigation at Gillum's hotel room, deputies recovered several items:

• A handgun.
• Approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.

Current Status and Official Statements

Currently, Gillum is being held at the Okaloosa County Jail while awaiting extradition proceedings to Louisiana.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden commented on the incident, emphasizing the role of technology and inter-agency cooperation in preventing violence. He stated, “This disturbing case highlights how technology like FLOCK and strong partnerships between agencies can help prevent potential violence and bring wanted fugitives into custody safely before a tragedy could occur.”

*Note: CNN reached out to the Louisiana State Police and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office for further comment.