Police have identified the man who was arrested in Los Angeles ahead of West Hollywood’s Pride Parade as James Howell of Indiana, but did not describe him further and did not offer motives.
Howell was arrested with multiple weapons as well as explosive materials. Police say the man “wanted to harm” the parade.
Man told @SantaMonicaPD officer of wanting to harm Gay Pride event during arrest for weapons and explosive materials possession.
— Jacqueline Seabrooks (@SantaMonicaCoP) June 12, 2016
The suspect’s car, a white Acura, is being searched by police. The Los Angeles Times reports:
Santa Monica police spokesman Saul Rodriguez said detectives are “not aware of what the suspect’s intentions were at this point.”
Neighbors called police after he was spotted knocking on doors and “loitering in the area,” Rodriguez said.
Santa Monica police continued to search the suspect’s white Acura on Sunday morning. All four of the car’s doors were open and a green blanket, red gasoline canister and several other smaller items were being piled on the sidewalk next to it.
It is still believed there is no connection between this suspect and the shooter in the Orlando terror attack. This is a developing story and we will update as needed.
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