Suspect Accused of Planning Festival Mass Shooting Arrested

A North Carolina man is in custody after authorities say he was traveling toward Louisiana with plans to carry out a mass shooting at a major festival.

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, federal authorities alerted deputies that the suspect was believed to be in their area. Deputies later located him at a hotel in Destin on Wednesday night and took him into custody without incident.

Officials said the man was arrested as a fugitive from justice and is expected to be extradited to Louisiana, where charges are pending through the Louisiana State Police.

Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or confirmed which Louisiana festival was allegedly being targeted.

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Emergency radio traffic reportedly indicates a possible shooting involving multiple victims behind Northshore Square Mall in Slidell.

The arrest comes ahead of one of Louisiana’s busiest festival weekends, with events such as Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival beginning this weekend.

Law enforcement says the suspect was stopped before reaching Louisiana, and the investigation remains ongoing.