A Chapel Hill man 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.
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 a festival in New Orleans 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.
Gillum is being held in Okaloosa County jail pending extradition to Louisiana.
“This disturbing case highlights how technology like FLOCK and strong partnerships between agencies can help prevent potential violence and bring wanted fugitives into custody safely before a tragedy could occur,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.
According to a spokesperson for the town of Chapel Hill, Gillum was formerly a Chapel Hill police officer between 2004 and his resignation in 2019.
He returned as a non-sworn employee in 2024 before leaving for another job by the end of the same year. The town of Chapel Hill spokesperson did not provide details as to his role as a non-sworn employee.