An American man whose was on his way to a Pride Parade armed with bomb making materials and firearms has been sentenced to 7 years and four months in prison.

Police apprehended James Wesley Howell in June 2016 when a member of the public reported his suspicious behaviour.

On the day of the 2016 Los Angeles Pride Parade police found Howell sitting in his car which had Indiana number plates. When they conducted a search they found firearms and a 5 gallons of a chemical that can be used to make a pipe bomb. His AR-15 rifle and magazines were rigged so they could shoot rounds in quick succession.

His arrest came the day after 49 people were shot and killed at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando Florida, but police say he was not motivated by that incident.

The Los Angeles District Attorney announced on Thursday that the 22 year-old  pleased no contest to weapons and explosives charges and will serve 7 years in prison.

OIP Staff