A former police officer from North Carolina was arrested in Florida on terrorism-related charges after allegedly planning a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, authorities said.
John Doe, 34, was taken into custody on Wednesday at a Florida highway checkpoint. Police say they found a cache of weapons and ammunition in his vehicle, along with detailed maps of the festival grounds and handwritten notes outlining an attack.
Doe had been fired from his law enforcement position last year and had posted extremist content online, according to court documents. The FBI tracked his movements after receiving a tip from a former colleague.
"This individual posed a significant threat to public safety," said a spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department. "Our quick response and inter-agency cooperation prevented a potential tragedy."
The Jazz Fest, one of the largest music festivals in the country, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of attendees this weekend. Security has been heightened in response to the threat.
Doe faces charges of making terrorist threats and illegal possession of firearms. He is being held without bond pending a hearing.