Another attack on LGBT community averted as Police arrests suspect who intended causing harm at the Gay Pride event in Los Angeles

Howell Mugshot

Santa Monica Police Sunday arrested an Indiana man, James Wesley Howell, 20, after three assault rifles, high capacity magazine and ammunition were discovered in his car. This follows the statement released by the Santa Monica Police Department reveals that the suspect was headed to the Gay Pride event in Los Angeles. The assault rifle was found on his front passenger seat of his car.

Also recovered from the Howell after a thorough search of his car include a 20-liter bucketful of "chemicals capable of forming an improvised explosive device" and a security badge. In a confirmed tweet by the Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks, Howell was headed to the gay pride event at West Hollywood, Los Angeles although initial statement released stated that the suspect had the intention of causing harm to people at that event.

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He was arrested at 5 a.m Sunday after the Police responded to a call informing it of a suspicious trawler, and the Police is currently investigating the situation.

The incident occurred just some moments after the report of the Orlando Gay shooting entered the airwaves. However, the Police said the two events may be unconnected since no link had been established apart from their intersection with the LGBT community, but is collaborating with the FBI in the event a later revelation substantially linking both incidences is established.

However, the Gay Pride celebration continued, although amid tight security.