A potential mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was averted with the arrest of a former law enforcement officer in Florida. Christopher Gillum, 33, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was apprehended on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at a hotel in Destin, Florida.

Suspect Planned Attack on Black People

Authorities discovered Gillum was traveling to Louisiana with the intent to carry out a mass shooting specifically targeting Black individuals. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a major cultural event, is scheduled to take place from April 30th through May 3rd, attracting around 460,000 attendees.

Arrest and Evidence

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Gillum was wanted on charges of “terroristic threats” and was arrested without incident. Deputies recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from his hotel room. He is currently being held as a fugitive and will be extradited to Louisiana.

Investigation Origins

The investigation began after Gillum’s family reported him missing on April 21st, revealing his history of self-harm and recent threats against Black people. A police bulletin from Burlington, North Carolina, detailed his explicit threats.

Initial Attempts to Detain Gillum

Initial attempts to detain Gillum for psychiatric evaluation were unsuccessful. Authorities in Alamance County, North Carolina, found no immediate legal grounds for involuntary commitment due to the lack of a specific victim. However, they shared information about Gillum with other law enforcement agencies.

Welfare Check and Subsequent Arrest

Okaloosa County law enforcement briefly encountered Gillum during a welfare check on Wednesday morning but allowed him to continue traveling. Following information about the ongoing investigation, deputies initiated surveillance and arrested him upon receiving an arrest warrant from Louisiana authorities.

No Current Threats to Festivals

State Police have stated there are currently no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana following Gillum’s arrest.

Gillum’s Law Enforcement Background

Christopher Gillum has an extensive history in law enforcement. He served as a police officer in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (2004-2019) and Carolina Beach, North Carolina (October 2019 – October 2020). He also worked as a detention officer and deputy with the Orange County, North Carolina, sheriff’s office between 2023 and 2025, with a brief return to Chapel Hill police in a non-sworn role.

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI in New Orleans is collaborating with multiple state law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident and determine if Gillum had any support network. This case highlights the importance of interagency communication and proactive violence prevention, especially in cases motivated by hate.