Florida authorities arrested a man they say was planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, intercepting him with a handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition before he could reach the popular music festival, according to law enforcement officials.
Background
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to the city’s Fair Grounds Race Course. The annual event is one of Louisiana’s largest cultural gatherings, featuring performances by internationally renowned musicians across multiple stages. Law enforcement officials said Florida authorities received information leading them to identify Cristian Benavides as a potential threat to public safety.
The Investigation
Florida law enforcement officials said they located Benavides in Florida before he could travel to Louisiana for the festival. During the stop, authorities recovered a handgun and several hundred rounds of ammunition, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are collaborating on the case, officials said.
Key Takeaways
- Cristian Benavides was arrested by Florida authorities on suspicion of planning a mass shooting
- Police recovered a handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during the stop
- Benavides was en route to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
- The FBI is assisting with the ongoing investigation
- No injuries were reported in connection with the alleged plot
What's Next
Benavides is expected to face federal weapons charges and likely will be transferred to Louisiana to face additional counts. Court dates have not yet been set. The FBI and New Orleans Police Department continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot, including any potential accomplices or additional evidence of planning.