BREAKING NEWS: Police arrest man with assault rifles, possible explosives and a camouflage outfit who said he was headed to the L.A. Pride parade
Discovery came just hours after 50 were killed in worst mass shooting in US history at Orlando gay club
Authorities received report of a suspected prowler in Santa Monica
Man told police he was waiting for a friend before West Hollywood event
Long rifles and a substantial amount of ammunition was found in his car
Tannerite, an ingredient used to make pipe bombs, was also discovered
Also found gun clips loaded, taped together and a security badge
By ANNETA KONSTANTINIDES
DAILYMAIL.COM
12 June 2016
A man who told police he was in town for the Los Angeles Pride festival was found with assault rifles, ammunition and possible explosives.
The discovery came just hours after the country was rocked with the worst mass shooting in its history, at a gay club in Orlando where 50 people were shot dead.
Authorities said Santa Monica police received a report of a suspected prowler and found the man, who had Indiana plates and told them he was waiting for a friend before attending the West Hollywood parade.
A car inspection revealed several weapons, a substantial amount of ammunition and 5lb of mixed tannerite, an ingredient that can be used to make a pipe bomb, according to the Los Angeles Times.
There were also clips loaded and taped together, a camouflage outfit and a security badge.
Sources said it was unknown if there was any connection between the man and the Orlando massacre. The investigation has since been taken over by the FBI.
Officials said they are increasing security at the event, including undercover officers that will be in the crowd.
West Hollywood City Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath said officials do not believe there is any threat to Sunday’s celebration.
June is known as Pride Month, an annual celebration to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots.
Omar Mateen, 29, has been identified as the shooter of the horrific Orlando gun massacre that also injured 53 other clubgoers.
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