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Fugitive accused of plotting New Orleans mass shooting captured in Destin

A North Carolina man wanted for allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival was arrested at a Destin hotel.
OCSO

A North Carolina man wanted for allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival was arrested at a Destin hotel Wednesday evening.

  • Christopher Gillum, 45, of Chapel Hill, was taken into custody without incident by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies around 6:40 p.m. at a hotel located at 1625 Scenic Highway 98, according to OCSO.

Investigators verified Gillum’s presence in the area through the county’s Flock camera system after receiving information he was in the jurisdiction.

Gillum is wanted in Orleans Parish by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety for alleged terroristic threats. Authorities said they obtained information that he planned to travel to a festival in New Orleans to conduct a mass shooting.

Deputies recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from Gillum’s hotel room.

“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.

Gillum is being held in the Okaloosa County Jail pending extradition to Louisiana.

For additional information, the OCSO directed inquiries to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.

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“Maybe the Shalimar Mayor can use some of that speed trap money a have Eglin Pkwy Repaved.”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 15, 2026
“3:16, 5 attempts”
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“no work had been done since February. I drive this road 4 days a week to and from work and fortunately I drive a truck. I feel for anybody driving...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 14, 2026
“5 attempts, 1:10”
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“Totally agree, the Destin harbor is bad enough already, they've already built all the new boat slips which take up navigable water. Another marina, more boats, less space and more...”
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“What they have started so far is terrible. Who paves in random 50-300 yard segments. That is not cost effective, nor a good management of time & resources. I am...”
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“Thank you Shalimar Mayor for pushing FDOT's button. We currently have a duopoly on major paving projects which needs to be broken”
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“The contractor has 500+ days from July 2025 to finish. It was baked in the contract. FDOT needs to tighten the elapsed time allowed. In this case it should have...”
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