Christopher Gillum, a former North Carolina law enforcement officer, was arrested for planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Authorities detained him Wednesday night in Destin, Florida, with a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.
Key Takeaways
A former North Carolina officer was arrested for planning a mass shooting at New Orleans' Jazz Fest. Authorities detained Christopher Gillum in Florida with a handgun and ammunition after his family reported threats targeting Black people.
- Former NC officer arrested for plotting mass shooting at Jazz Fest
- Suspect detained in Florida with firearm, 200 rounds of ammo
- Family reported threats against Black people to authorities
- FBI involved in multi-state investigation
- No known direct threats remain to Louisiana festivals
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office received information from federal authorities about Gillum's plans to carry out a mass shooting at a large festival in Louisiana. According to reports, the white suspect expressed threats to harm Black people before leaving North Carolina. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival began on Thursday and attracted around 460,000 attendees last year.
Gillum was arrested as a fugitive from justice and will be extradited to Louisiana to face charges there. Authorities did not name the event but confirmed it was the Jazz Fest running through May 3. The FBI in New Orleans is working on the investigation with law enforcement across three states.
Gillum's family reported him missing Tuesday, stating he had a history of self-harm and made threats against Black people. Law enforcement initially stopped Gillum but released him due to lack of grounds for arrest or involuntary commitment. Deputies later surveilled him until an arrest warrant arrived from Louisiana.
The suspect served as a police officer in Chapel Hill from 2004 until his resignation in 2019. He had subsequent law enforcement roles in Carolina Beach and Orange County, North Carolina, before his most recent termination in September 2025. The arrest involved coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies across several states.
Louisiana State Police spokesperson Trooper Danny Berrincha confirmed that there are no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana at this time. Jazz Fest organizers expressed gratitude for law enforcement efforts, looking forward to another safe event.
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