Christopher Gillum Reported Missing in North Carolina After Threatening Harm to Black People

A former North Carolina law enforcement officer was arrested in Florida after authorities say he planned to carry out a mass shooting targeting Black people at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a major annual music event drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Christopher Gillum, 45, was detained at a hotel in Destin, Florida, on Wednesday night by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office following a multi-state investigation. He is wanted in Orleans Parish on charges of terroristic threats related to an alleged plot to attack the festival and then die by suicide during a confrontation with police, officials said.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest, began its first weekend on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Festival organizers confirmed they were coordinating closely with law enforcement partners including the FBI, Louisiana State Police, the New Orleans Police Department, and NOCEM to ensure public safety.

According to an intelligence bulletin from the Burlington, North Carolina Police Department, Gillum’s family reported he had expressed recent threats to harm Black people and was in possession of a firearm. The bulletin described him as a missing person and flagged him as potentially seeking to harm himself.

After his arrest, law enforcement recovered a handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Gillum’s hotel room. An FBI spokesperson stated there were no outstanding direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana following the arrest.

Gillum previously served as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina, including roles with the Chapel Hill Police Department and as an Orange County deputy. His family had sought to have him involuntarily committed to psychiatric treatment before he left the state, according to reports from the Associated Press.

The festival, which attracted approximately 460,000 people in its most recent prior edition, features performances across multiple genres and is considered one of the United States’ premier music events. Organizers released a statement thanking law enforcement for their dedication and affirming their commitment to maintaining a safe and joyful atmosphere for attendees.

As of the festival’s opening day, no incidents related to the alleged plot were reported, and authorities emphasized that the swift interagency response had prevented any potential harm. The investigation into Gillum’s actions remains ongoing.