Los Angeles, United States: 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.
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.
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.
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)
When officers responded, they found Howell sitting in a car with three assault rifles, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, the statement said.
Advertisement
Seabrooks said there was no known connection between Howell and the carnage in Orlando, Florida -- the worst mass shooting in US history.
Advertisement
The march went ahead without incident.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
7 Wounded In Orlando Mass Shooting: Report US Jury Acquits Widow Of Florida Nightclub Gunman Who Killed 49 Widow Of Orlando Nightclub Gunman Knew Of His Plans, Prosecutors Say Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool This US City Has Been Declared America's Least Desirable, Survey Finds Ukraine, Russia Both Claim Advances In Kursk Region Gaza Ceasefire Talks Underway In Qatar As Deaths Top 40,000 Trump To Hold Press Conference, His Campaign Adds Senior Advisers Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.