OCSO says it’s captured an ex-cop travelling to New Orleans to commit terrorism during Jazzfest

Target Identified as Jazz Fest

Authorities had information that Gillum planned to travel to a New Orleans festival to conduct a mass shooting. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a large event currently underway, was a likely target.

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

Technology and Partnerships Lead to Capture

Investigators were able to verify Gillum’s presence in the area through the county’s Flock camera system, leading to his location being developed.

Sheriff Eric Aden highlighted the role of technology and cooperation in the successful operation: “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.”

RELATED: Okaloosa Sheriff implements license plate system.

Suspect is a Former Deputy Awarded for Investigative Work

Information was also found indicating that Gillum was previously a law enforcement officer with the Orange County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. He was named Officer of the Month for June 2025, an honor awarded “for his attention to detail at the scene of a gas station robbery.” According to a Facebook post by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on July 7, 2025, Gillum located “a single latent fingerprint on a coffee cup used by the robber,” which allowed authorities to identify and arrest the suspect when security footage was unusable.

Gillum is currently being held in the Okaloosa County jail pending extradition to Louisiana for charges from the state police there.