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Ex-policeman Arrested for Threatening Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

KVIA•Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:15 AM•CNN Newsource

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Christopher Gillum, a 45-year-old former police officer from North Carolina, was arrested in Florida after being reported missing by his family. Authorities discovered he had expressed intentions to carry out a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans, coinciding with the city's Annual Jazz and Heritage Festival, which attracts around 400,000 attendees. Gillum was found with a Glock pistol and 200 rounds of ammunition in his hotel room. The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, is ongoing, and while no direct threats have been confirmed, security measures in New Orleans have been heightened in light of recent violent incidents.

Key Details: • Gillum was reported missing on Tuesday; arrested on Wednesday in Florida. • He expressed intentions to harm individuals at a festival in New Orleans. • The Annual Jazz and Heritage Festival begins shortly, drawing large crowds. • Gillum was found with a firearm and ammunition in his possession. • Authorities are coordinating with the FBI for further investigation.

arrest law-enforcement festival mass-shooting new-orleans

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FBIFloridaNew OrleansChapel HillLouisiana State PoliceChristopher GillumOkaloosa County Sheriff's OfficeCarolina BeachBurlington Police Department

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