A multi-state manhunt ended in a Destin hotel room Wednesday night after Florida deputies intercepted a North Carolina man allegedly planning a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival.
Christopher Gillum, a resident of Chapel Hill, was taken into custody without incident around 6:40 p.m. at a hotel located at 1625 Scenic Highway 98. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.
Investigators initially flagged Gillum’s presence in the area using the county’s Flock camera system.
According to authorities, Gillum was already wanted in Orleans Parish for making terroristic threats. Intelligence gathered by law enforcement suggested he was traveling specifically to target a public gathering in New Orleans.
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Upon searching Gillum’s hotel room, Okaloosa County deputies recovered a handgun and roughly 200 rounds of ammunition.
“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,” Sheriff Eric Aden said following the arrest.
Gillum is currently being held at the Okaloosa County Jail. He is awaiting extradition to Louisiana to face the pending charges.
Further details regarding the specific festival targeted or the nature of the initial threats have not been released, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety remains the lead agency.
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