Man in New Orleans mass shooting plot was an ex officer
NOLA.com • • general
Key Points:
- Christopher Gillum, a former North Carolina law enforcement officer, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and intending to commit suicide by cop, with threats reportedly targeting Black people.
- Gillum was detained at a Destin hotel with a handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition after a multi-state investigation involving several law enforcement agencies and intelligence sharing.
- Despite previously serving as an officer and detention officer with clean records and commendations, Gillum’s family reported his recent race-related threats, prompting urgent alerts and coordination among police and security networks.
- Festival organizers and law enforcement emphasized ongoing collaboration to ensure public safety, with no current direct threats reported following Gillum’s arrest.
- The incident underscores heightened security efforts in New Orleans since a 2025 terrorist attack, with officials committed to improving protective measures and inter-agency communication.
