James Howell Charged In Attempted LA Pride Bombing

James Wesley Howell has finally been charged after being caught with explosives and guns on his way to LA Gay Pride Festival on Sunday. 

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has charged Howell, 20, with one felony count each of possession of an assault weapon, possession of explosives on a public highway, possession of a high capacity ammo magazine and a misdemeanor for having a loaded firearm in the vehicle. 

Hours after the massacre in Orlando, a homeowner in Santa Monica noticed James Howell lurking around in the neighborhood, so they called the police. When authorities arrived, Howell was caught with 3 assault rifles, ammo and a 5 gallon bucket with chemicals capable of forming an explosive device in his vehicle.  According to new reports, cops also found a black hood, taser, handcuffs a buck knife, security badge and a 5-gallon container of gasoline.

Howell plead not guilty to all charges. His attorney claims the chemicals, which are similar to those used in the Oklahoma City Bombing,  are often used by gun enthusiasts during target. The D.A. isn’t buying it, and asked that Howell’s bail be increased from $500,000 to $2 million.

As of now, Howell’s bail is set at $2 million. He’s due back in court on June 29.

Howell faces nine years, eight months if convicted on the California state charges. He hasn’t been charged with any Federal charges, however the FBI says they are still investigating. 

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