Officers found three assault rifles, high capacity magazines, ammunition and chemicals capable of creating an explosive device in his car, according to Santa Monica police.Ī neighbor told the Associated Press that Howell had been knocking on a resident's door and then ran to hide in nearby bushes when he was approached. Howell was detained at the 1700 block of 11th Street at 4:59 a.m. "We did not have any additional information as to what his intentions were," Rodriguez said. Saul Rodriguez corrected that statement, saying that Howell had told officers only that he was planning to attend the event. At a later press conference, Santa Monica Police Lt. Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks tweeted that Howell told arresting officers he was heading to L.A.'s gay pride and had "wanted to harm" the event. Santa Monica police have identified the heavily-armed suspect they said had told police he was headed to L.A. James Wesley Howell, 20, of Indiana was arrested in Santa Monica after neighbors noticed him knocking on residents' doors and windows.
Update 2:10 p.m.: Santa Monica suspect ID'd, was headed to Pride We'll add more information to this update as it becomes available. Monday night at City Hall, 200 North Spring Street to honor those killed.
The center has opened up a counseling center Sunday to assist those who want to talk. Third Street to mourn the loss of life in Orlando.
The attack on Orlando nightclub Pulse, a popular dance club among the gay community, has thrown a pall over Pride weekend 2,500 miles away, in Los Angeles. A law-enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation said that guns and explosive materials were found in the suspect's vehicle. A heavily armed man arrested in Southern California told police he was in the area for West Hollywood's gay pride parade. Police stand by to provide security for the 2016 Gay Pride Parade June 12, 20116 in Los Angeles, California.įBI agents look on as the gay pride parade kicks off in West Hollywood, Calif., on Sunday, June 12, 2016. Participants show their support for victims of the Orlando shooting during the 2016 Gay Pride Parade on June 12, 20116 in Los Angeles, California.įlowers on a temporary shrine is set up for victims of the Orlando shooting during the 2016 Gay Pride Parade on June 12, 20116 in Los Angeles, California.