A former Chapel Hill police officer faces domestic terrorism charges after being arrested in Florida over alleged plans to carry out a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, 45-year-old Christopher Gillum was first sought by Orleans Parish’s Department of Public Safety in Louisiana after allegedly making terroristic threats centered on the popular music festival. Officers from the Florida county’s sheriff’s office then determined Gillum was in their community using Flock cameras and sought to stop him.

“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 Sheriff Eric Aden in a statement.

Upon entering Gillum’s room at the Destin Hotel, investigators discovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. He is being held at the Okaloosa County jail, where he will then be expedited to Louisiana.

Gillum, who Okaloosa authorities said is a Chapel Hill resident, was a police officer in town for 15 years. He first joined the force in 2004, and resigned in 2019, according to Town of Chapel Hill Communications Manager Alex Carrasquillo. He most recently worked as a non-sworn employee for the department in 2024, before finding another job the same year. A non-sworn employee still works within law enforcement, but does not have a badge, firearm, or arrest powers.

Gillum also spent time employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the law enforcement agency confirmed. He worked as a detention officer from 2023 until 2024, when he returned to the Chapel Hill Police Department as a non-sworn employee. He was hired again by OCSO in 2025, and resigned the same year.

“I want to recognize the tremendous coordinated and swift work by the New Orleans FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, NOCEM and Governor,” said New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. “This level of coordination extended to law enforcement agencies in multiple states from North Carolina to Florida. This is where urgent collaboration and cooperation pays off. Job well done! We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners at every level to ensure that any potential danger is addressed quickly and decisively. The safety of our residents and visitors will always be my top priority.”

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly referred to as Jazz Fest, began in 1970. The 2026 festival is scheduled to last from April 23 until May 3. As of Thursday, April 23, no changes to the dates or the lineup have been announced. This year’s festival includes mainstream artists like Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Lorde, as well as local acts like Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and more.

 

Featured image via Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on Instagram

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