A veteran law enforcement officer from Chapel Hill was arrested in Florida Wednesday night for alleged plans to commit a mass shooting in New Orleans.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in Shalimar, Fla., Christopher Gillum was arrested at a hotel after local law enforcement received information that he was in their jurisdiction. Investigators were able to verify his presence through the county's Flock camera system.
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Gillum was wanted in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, by the Department of Public Safety for terroristic threats, according to Okaloosa County. He allegedly planned to travel to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to conduct a mass shooting and then commit suicide by cop.
Okaloosa County deputies recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from Gillum's hotel room.
It's unclear where Gillum made these remarks and how law enforcement were able to track them down.
Gillum is being held in Okaloosa County jail pending extradition to Louisiana.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno released the following statement about Gillum's arrest:
I want to recognize the tremendous coordinated and swift work by the New Orleans FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, NOCEM and Governor. This level of coordination extended to law enforcement agencies in multiple states from North Carolina to Florida. This is where urgent collaboration and cooperation pays off. Job well done! We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners at every level to ensure that any potential danger is addressed quickly and decisively. The safety of our residents and visitors will always be my top priority.Mayor Helena Moreno
Gillum was allegedly targeting the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a popular annual event for the state of Louisiana that's going on this week. Festival organizers said that they are grateful to all law enforcement partners for their dedication in protecting the community.
The statement continued, "As always, we coordinate closely with the FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, NOCEM, and other agencies, and we will continue to do so as we look forward to another safe and joyful Jazz Fest."
Accused's extensive law enforcement history
According to state certification records, Gillum has worked at several law enforcement offices across the state, starting in 2004. Records show he worked at the Carolina Beach Police Department, the Chapel Hill Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
A spokesperson for Chapel Hill said that Gillum worked at the police department as an officer between 2004 and 2019. He returned as a non-sworn employee in 2024, then left for another job by the end of that year.
The town of Chapel Hill spokesperson did not provide details on his role as a non-sworn employee.
Carolina Beach police said he worked as an officer starting in October 2019 and resigned in October 2020. The department did not say why he resigned.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office told WRAL News that Gillum was hired as a detention officer in October 2023 and left in July 2024. He was then hired again as a deputy in January 2025 and resigned in September 2025. The department said Gillum was terminated accordingly, but did not face any discipline.
Burlington Police said they started working with the Alamance County sheriff’s office on Wednesday on what they originally believed was a missing persons case. Then, they realized Gillum was a danger to himself and others and used technology to track his journey. The Flock camera system helped track Gillum on the way to Florida.
“The subject involved was traveling from a state to a different state through two or three other states," said Max Weinstein with Flock Safety. "You have a lot of jurisdictional boundaries, not only state-to-state, but also within those states. That’s always been something that’s been very easy for people looking to commit crimes to exploit."
A motive for the attack is not known. The FBI is helping with the investigation.
Festival officials said they're appreciative of the law enforcement agencies coming together to prevent a possible tragedy.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.