A former North Carolina law enforcement officer armed with a handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition was arrested at a Florida hotel before carrying out a planned mass shooting at New Orleans Jazz Fest, authorities say. Christopher Gillum allegedly expressed threats to harm Black people and planned to force police to kill him.

Multi-State Hunt Ends in Destin

Gillum was taken into custody Wednesday evening at a hotel on Scenic Highway 98 in Destin, Florida, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. His family had reported him missing Tuesday after he made explicit threats targeting Black people and had a documented history of self-harm. North Carolina authorities tracked him across state lines but lacked legal authority to detain him initially despite the alarming statements because no specific victim was identified.

Law enforcement in Okaloosa County initially stopped Gillum Wednesday but released him when he presented no grounds for involuntary commitment or criminal charges. He told officers he was heading to New Orleans. Hours later, after receiving federal intelligence about the festival threat, deputies arrested him at his hotel. Investigators recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from his room. He now faces terroristic threats charges and awaits extradition to Louisiana.

Career in Law Enforcement Raises Questions

Gillum served as a Chapel Hill police officer from 2004 to 2019 before resigning. He returned in 2024 as a non-sworn employee but left by year’s end. Records show he also worked for Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer in 2023 and deputy in 2025, resigning both times without disciplinary action. Lt. Clint Lyons of Alamance County Sheriff’s Office said Gillum had been reported missing last fall and was found in the mountains after mentioning self-harm.

Jazz Fest Security Heightened

While authorities have not officially named the targeted event, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival runs through May 3 and attracted 460,000 attendees last year. Festival organizers released a statement confirming coordination with FBI, Louisiana State Police, and local agencies. Mayor Helena Moreno praised the swift multi-agency response that prevented potential tragedy. Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed confidence in event security as the investigation continues. Sheriff Eric Aden highlighted how technology and inter-agency cooperation stopped violence before it occurred.