Premium Content:

Man who went armed to L.A. Pride Parade sentenced to 7 years jail

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.

- Advertisement -

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


Latest

Perth Queer Film Festival shares exciting 10th anniversary program

The festival has just revealed one massive program from its 10th outing.

On This Gay Day | Activist Mark Ashton died in 1987

Mark Ashton's advocacy was captured in the film 'Pride'.

PHOTOS | PrideFEST Parade 2025 full of love and light

Pride WA’s Pride Parade filled Northbridge with rainbows last November.

Join the celebrations with ABC’s live Mardi Gras broadcast

Everyone is invited to join in the revelry of the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade with ABC on Saturday, 28 February.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Perth Queer Film Festival shares exciting 10th anniversary program

The festival has just revealed one massive program from its 10th outing.

On This Gay Day | Activist Mark Ashton died in 1987

Mark Ashton's advocacy was captured in the film 'Pride'.

PHOTOS | PrideFEST Parade 2025 full of love and light

Pride WA’s Pride Parade filled Northbridge with rainbows last November.

Join the celebrations with ABC’s live Mardi Gras broadcast

Everyone is invited to join in the revelry of the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade with ABC on Saturday, 28 February.

Catch queer short film ‘Friend of Dorothy’ at Flickerfest

Celebrating 35 years in 2026, international short film festival Flickerfest is set to return with another illuminating program.

Perth Queer Film Festival shares exciting 10th anniversary program

The festival has just revealed one massive program from its 10th outing.

On This Gay Day | Activist Mark Ashton died in 1987

Mark Ashton's advocacy was captured in the film 'Pride'.

PHOTOS | PrideFEST Parade 2025 full of love and light

Pride WA’s Pride Parade filled Northbridge with rainbows last November.