DESTIN, Fla. — Authorities say a man suspected of planning a mass shooting at a large New Orleans festival was arrested at a hotel in Florida with a handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The event was not specified, but the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival usually takes place from Thursday through May 3, celebrating Louisiana’s vibrant music, food, and culture, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.
The suspect, identified as a resident of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was wanted by the Department of Public Safety for making terroristic threats, according to a statement from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Federal authorities had alerted local law enforcement about the apprehended man, but the FBI office in New Orleans has not publicly commented.
Law enforcement officials arrested the man without any incidents late Wednesday night at the Destin hotel, discovering a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
The sheriff’s office detailed that it was contacted by federal authorities regarding the man’s alleged plan to commit a mass shooting at a significant festival in Louisiana.
The suspect is now facing extradition to Louisiana to contend with charges stemming from the threats made against the festival. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the man has retained legal representation.
"Job well done!” remarked New Orleans Mayor Healena Moreno, praising the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies across multiple states, from North Carolina to Florida.
Louisiana State Police spokesperson Trooper Danny Berrincha stated that the investigation continues in conjunction with the FBI, adding that there are no current known threats to any festivals in Louisiana.
