Man Attempting To Blow Up LA Pride Had A History With Guns

20 year old James Wesley Howell of Indiana, was armed with an arsenal of weapons and explosives, headed to the LA Pride Festival before being captured by police in Santa Monica. Apparently, before cops found Howell with a “five gallon bucket of explosive material,” several guns and ammunition, it was a well known fact that he had a history with firearms. 

According to TMZ, Howell got into an argument with a neighbor in Indiana last October, when he pulled out a gun in anger. He was arrested and charged with pointing a gun, as well as intimidation. After copping a plea and having his firearm charge dropped, Howell was sentenced to one year probation, which he’s currently still on. 

Howell also likes to shoot assault rifles while in the woods, as seen in a video he posted on Facebook. 

According to the press release from the Santa Monica Police Department, three assault rifles, high capacity magazines and ammunition and  a 5 gallon bucket of explosive chemicals were found in Howell’s vehicle. Police say they were informed by Howell that he wanted to “harm” the Gay Pride event in West Hollywood.