Law enforcement in Florida arrested a North Carolina man who they say had plotted a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
The FBI alerted the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office that Christopher Gillum, 45, was in Destin en route to New Orleans.
According to reports, members of Gillum’s family had contacted law enforcement to say that he was planning on harming Black people at Jazz Fest before committing “suicide by cop.”
Gillum is a longtime former law enforcement officer at several departments in North Carolina, most notably the Chapel Hill Police Department from 2004 to 2019.
Investigators verified Gillum’s presence in Destin through the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office’s Flock camera system, and he was arrested at the Hampton Inn in Destin around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday without incident.
In Gillum’s hotel room, investigators found a handgun and about 200 rounds of ammunition.
Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputies found a handgun and about 200 round of ammunition in Christopher Gillum’s hotel room when they arrested him Wednesday night. Credit: Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Gillum is being held in the Okaloosa County jail and is awaiting extradition to New Orleans, where he will face charges of terroristic threats.
Louisiana State Police say there is no ongoing threat to Jazz Fest.
“At this time, there are no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana, but we are constantly working with Local, State, and Federal partners through our Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange Center to ensure safety,” LSP said in a statement.
Jazz Fest organizers are very grateful for the swift work of law enforcement to capture the suspect before he could do any harm.
“Jazz Fest is grateful to all law enforcement partners for their dedication and exceptional service in protecting our community,” organizers said in a statement. “As always, we coordinate closely with the FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, NOCEM, and other agencies, and we will continue to do so as we look forward to another safe and joyful Jazz Fest.”
Another official expressing her gratitude is New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno.
“I want to recognize the tremendous coordinated and swift work by the New Orleans FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, NOCEM and Governor,” Moreno’s statement reads. “This level of coordination extended to law enforcement agencies in multiple states from North Carolina to Florida. This is where urgent collaboration and cooperation pays off. Job well done!”
Attorney General Liz Murrill also noted the cooperation of law enforcement at all levels.
“Excellent work by Louisiana State Police and the FBI as part of their Joint Terrorism Task Force on this case,” said Murrill. “I always work closely with our federal, State, and local law enforcement partners and will continue to follow up on this matter.”