Who is Christopher Gillum and why was he arrested?

Christopher Gillum is a former North Carolina police officer arrested in Florida on April 22, 2026, for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

What was found in Christopher Gillum's hotel room?

A handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition were discovered in Christopher Gillum's hotel room.

What threats did Christopher Gillum make?

Gillum's family reported him missing after he expressed recent threats to harm 'Black people.'

Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-Cop Held for Jazz Fest Mass Shooting Plot

Ex-Cop Held for Jazz Fest Mass Shooting Plot

24 Apr

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Summary

Former officer Christopher Gillum arrested in Florida.
Gillum threatened to harm Black people, family reported him missing.
Handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition found in hotel room.

Ex-Cop Held for Jazz Fest Mass Shooting Plot

Christopher Gillum, a former police officer, was arrested in Florida on April 22, 2026, following allegations of a planned mass shooting targeting the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Gillum's family had reported him missing from Burlington, North Carolina, after he made threats against Black people. Authorities were alerted by federal agents to Gillum's presence in Florida, leading to his apprehension in a hotel room where a handgun and around 200 rounds of ammunition were found.

Gillum had a history of law enforcement service, working as an officer in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, from 2004 to 2019, and briefly with the Orange County Sheriff's Office until September of last year. His family's concern and a tip from federal agents prompted the law enforcement response. He is now being held as a fugitive from justice, with proceedings to occur in Louisiana.