Business Standard

Armed man sought to attack Gay Pride parade in LA: Police

Arrest came just hours after 50 people were massacred at a gay nightclub in Florida

Orlando Police officers direct family members away from a multiple shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Photo: AP/PTI

Orlando Police officers direct family members away from a multiple shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Photo: AP/PTI

AFPPTI Los Angeles
A man whose car contained a cache of weapons and bomb-making materials was arrested after telling police he wanted to "harm" the Gay Pride parade in Los Angeles, authorities said.

James Howell, 20, of Indiana, was arrested on Sunday in nearby Santa Monica where police found multiple weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials in his car, police said.

The arrest came just hours after 50 people were massacred at a gay nightclub in Florida.

Santa Monica police chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said on Twitter that Howell told officers about "wanting to harm Gay Pride event," in reference to the annual LA Pride parade that took place in Hollywood yesterday.
 
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told local radio that the suspect's car was "full of weapons, long rifles, ammunition and explosive materials — not explosives but the powder for explosives."

Seabrooks said there was no known connection between Howell and the carnage in Orlando, Florida — the worst mass shooting in US history.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Jun 13 2016 | 4:07 AM IST

Explore News