A former police officer has been arrested after authorities accused him of planning a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans. Investigators say the suspect allegedly intended to carry out the attack before dying in what officials described as a planned “suicide by cop.”
The disturbing case has raised serious concerns after police revealed the suspect had allegedly made threats involving Black people before his arrest. Authorities say quick action by law enforcement and modern tracking technology may have prevented a major tragedy.
Former Officer Arrested Over Alleged Mass Shooting Plot
Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Gillum, 45.
According to investigators, Gillum was arrested on April 22 at a hotel in Destin, Florida, before later being extradited to Louisiana to face criminal charges.
Officials say he is charged with making terroristic threats connected to an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans.
Law enforcement agencies claim Gillum intended to attack people attending the event before provoking police officers into fatally shooting him.
The disturbing allegations quickly drew national attention because Gillum previously worked in law enforcement for many years.
Family Reportedly Warned Police About Threats
According to reports, Gillum’s family contacted authorities one day before his arrest and reported him missing.
Family members allegedly told investigators that Gillum was armed and had recently made threats about harming Black people.
They also informed police that he had a history of self-harm concerns.
Authorities later used an automated license plate reader system to track Gillum’s location to a hotel in Florida.
When deputies searched the hotel room, they reportedly found a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.
Investigators believe the discovery may have prevented a potentially deadly attack from taking place.
Suspect Previously Worked in Law Enforcement
Christopher Gillum previously worked as a police officer in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, from 2004 until 2019.
Reports also state that he later joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer in 2023.
In 2025, he reportedly became a deputy with the agency before eventually resigning from the position.
Authorities also noted that Gillum had previously received recognition as “Officer of the Month” during his law enforcement career.
The allegations against a former officer have sparked conversations about mental health concerns, extremist threats, and background monitoring within law enforcement agencies.
Festival Target Not Officially Identified
Authorities have not publicly confirmed which New Orleans festival was allegedly targeted in the planned attack.
However, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which began shortly after Gillum’s arrest, later released a statement addressing the situation.
Officials have not shared additional details about possible motives or whether specific individuals or groups were directly targeted beyond the alleged racial threats.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue examining evidence connected to the case.
Suspect Faces Serious Criminal Penalties
According to officials, Gillum is currently being held in custody while legal proceedings continue.
The terroristic threats charge reportedly carries a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison along with significant financial penalties if convicted.
Law enforcement leaders praised the cooperation between agencies and the use of modern technology that helped locate the suspect before violence allegedly occurred.
