Police in Los Angeles have detained a man who was laden with guns and explosive materials and wished “to harm” Sunday’s LA Pride festival.
Officers arrested James Howell with a carload of weapons hours before the annual LGBT parade in West Hollywood.
Authorities said there appeared to be no connection with the massacre at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando but mobilised scores of law enforcement officers to protect the parade.
“Man told @SantaMonicaPD officer of wanting to harm Gay Pride event during arrest for weapons and explosive materials possession,” tweeted Santa Monica’s police chief, Jacqueline Seabrooks.
Police found three assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and a five-gallon bucket with chemicals capable of forming an improvised explosive device, said police spokesman Saul Rodriguez said.