Ex-police officer arrested for planning mass shooting at New Orleans music festival
A former police officer was arrested in Florida for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a forthcoming New Orleans festival billed as the city’s annual Jazz Fest.
As per Rolling Stone, Christopher Gillum of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was arrested by the sheriff’s department in Destin, Florida.
At the time of arrest, Gillum was staying at a hotel, allegedly en route to the music festival set to take place in Louisiana.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported via social media that the man was “taken into custody tonight without incident as a fugitive from justice”.
During his arrest, the sheriff’s department recovered 200 rounds of ammunition, as well as a handgun. He was wanted on charges of making terroristic threats.
As per The Associated Press, Gillum’s family reported him missing on April 21st. They reportedly shared with law enforcement that Gillum had a history of self-harm and “expressed recent threats to harm ‘Black people,’” according to the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.
Gillum apparently fled North Carolina before his agency could prepare paperwork to commit him involuntarily for psychiatric treatment.
Crucially, Gillum’s pivot into terroristic threats comes after a long stint in law enforcement: he served as a sworn police officer in Chapel Hill from 2006 to 2019.
Gillum also served as a detention officer from 2024 to September 2025, when he resigned his position.
“Jazz Fest is grateful to all law enforcement partners for their dedication and exceptional service in protecting our community,” Matthew Goldman, Jazz Fest press director, told USA Today.
Goldman added, “As always, we coordinate closely with the FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD (New Orleans Police Department), NOCEM (New Orleans Office of Coordination and Emergency Management), and other agencies, and we will continue to do so as we look forward to another safe and joyful Jazz Fest.”
The Jazz Fest will run from April 23rd til May 3rd. Last year, it attracted around 460,000 people.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.