Police found three assault rifles and a five-gallon bucket filled with chemicals in the car of James Wesley Howell, who was arrested ahead of the L.A. Gay Pride parade on Sunday.
The Santa Monica Police Department, which initially said they believed the suspect intended to attack the annual parade in West Hollywood, recanted that statement late Sunday.
In a revised statement, authorities said that Howell did not intend to “harm” attendees at the parade but merely wanted to attend the event, which draws thousands to support the LGBT community.
The 20-year-old Indiana native was arrested shortly after 5 a.m.