James Howell is shown in this booking photo from the Santa Monica Police Department after he was arrested with guns and explosives in his car in Santa Monica, California, US on June 12, 2016. (Reuters)
Highlights
- James Howell, 20, arrested hours after Florida nightclub shooting
- He told police in Santa Monica he wanted to 'harm' LA Gay Pride parade
- Cache of weapons and bomb-making materials found in his car
A man whose car contained a cache of weapons and bomb-making materials was arrested on Sunday after telling police he wanted to "harm" the Los Angeles Gay Pride parade, authorities said.
James Howell, 20, was detained in nearby Santa Monica with multiple weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials in his car, which had Indiana license plates, 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 (the) Gay Pride event," in reference to the annual LA Pride parade that took place in Hollywood on Sunday amid beefed up security.
Police investigate a car in Santa Monica, California on June 12, 2016 believed to belong to a man who was arrested for reportedly having weapons. (AFP Photo)
Santa Monica police said in a statement that Howell was arrested after a resident reported a prowler knocking on their door and window at around 5:00 am.
When officers responded, they found Howell sitting in a car with three assault rifles, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, the statement said.
"Additionally, officers discovered a five-gallon bucket with chemicals capable of forming an improvised explosive device," it added.
Seabrooks said there was no known connection between Howell and the carnage in Orlando, Florida -- the worst mass shooting in US history.
Authorities said they had considered calling off the parade but then decided to go forward while beefing up security, including placing undercover police in the crowd.
The march went ahead without incident.