A former North Carolina police officer was arrested in Florida on April 22 for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Christopher Gillum was taken into custody at a Destin hotel, where authorities found a handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition. The festival begins today and runs through May 3.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies arrested Christopher Gillum without incident after federal authorities tipped them off that he was heading to a large festival in Louisiana for a mass shooting. Officers recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from his hotel room. Gillum faces charges as a fugitive from justice and for making terroristic threats, with plans for extradition to Louisiana, according to the sheriff’s social media post and statements to the Associated Press. Alamance County Lieutenant Clint Lyons told the Associated Press that Gillum’s family reported him missing on Tuesday in Burlington, North Carolina, citing his history of self-harm and recent threats to harm Black people. Lyons added that Gillum crossed the state line before paperwork for involuntary psychiatric commitment could be filed. Federal agents initially requested a welfare check, which turned into surveillance leading to an arrest warrant. Gillum served as a police officer in Chapel Hill from 2004 or 2006 until 2019, and later worked on and off as a deputy for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office until resigning in September 2025. New Orleans Jazz Fest press director Matthew Goldman said, “Jazz Fest is grateful to all law enforcement partners for their dedication and exceptional service in protecting our community.” He noted close coordination with the FBI, Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police Department, and others. Louisiana State Police Sergeant Ross Brennan stated, “At this time, there are no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana.” Headliners include Stevie Nicks, Kings of Leon, Lorde, David Byrne, Herbie Hancock, and Mavis Staples.
