The FBI is investigating after a man in possession of a rifle, ammunition, and “other dangerous materials” told police he was in town for the L.A. Gay Pride festival.
Jon Passantino / BuzzFeed News
SANTA MONICA — A heavily-armed man arrested Sunday morning in Santa Monica, California, told police he was on his way to the L.A. Gay Pride festival, sources confirmed to BuzzFeed News.
Santa Monica police arrested the man after responding to a report of a suspected prowler, the Los Angeles Times reported. When officers spoke with the suspect, he told them he was waiting for a friend.
The officers then inspected his car and found a high-powered rifle, ammunition, and other dangerous materials, including tannerite, which can be used to create a pipe bomb. Authorities told BuzzFeed News the vehicle had Indiana license plates.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a statement the man “was in possession of weapons and other dangerous material.” The FBI is investigating any potential connection between the suspect and the Pride event in nearby West Hollywood, it said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have enhanced our security presence for the event and have tactical units at the ready to prevent and respond to any circumstances,” the sheriff’s department said.
Jon Passantino / BuzzFeed News
Speaking before the start of the festival Sunday, Mayor Eric Garcetti said he believed that the arrest was “completely unrelated” to the Orlando massacre.
“Officers are reminded to maintain a heightened state of awareness in light of the event in Florida and be prepared to respond in the case of such an incident here in Los Angeles,”
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