Chapel Hill man accused of planning mass shooting is law enforcement veteran of over 20 years
WRAL • • nation
Key Points:
- Christopher Gillum, a veteran law enforcement officer from Chapel Hill, was arrested in Florida for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, followed by a suicide by cop.
- Authorities apprehended Gillum at a hotel in Okaloosa County, Florida, where they found a handgun and about 200 rounds of ammunition; he is currently held pending extradition to Louisiana.
- Gillum was wanted in Orleans Parish for terroristic threats, with law enforcement agencies across multiple states coordinating his arrest.
- Gillum has an extensive law enforcement background, having worked in several North Carolina departments from 2004 onward, including Chapel Hill, Carolina Beach, and Orange County Sheriff's Office, with various roles and resignations.
- New Orleans officials and festival organizers praised the multi-agency collaboration that prevented the potential attack and emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure public safety at major events.
