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

Nominations open for the 2026 Western Australian Multicultural Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Awards.

NSW Premier urged to fund specific legal support for LGBTIQA+ communities

The Inner City Legal Centre has pleaded for more funding and a state wide approach.

Pope Leo has invited transgender rights advocates to lunch

The move is seen as a growing acceptance of people who are transgender by the Catholic church.

Councilor says Sky News hosts prove why Pride symbols are important

The councilor who put forward a proposal for a Pride flag artwork in inner-city Melbourne has responded to criticism from Sky News hosts.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Nominations open for the 2026 Western Australian Multicultural Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Awards.

NSW Premier urged to fund specific legal support for LGBTIQA+ communities

The Inner City Legal Centre has pleaded for more funding and a state wide approach.

Pope Leo has invited transgender rights advocates to lunch

The move is seen as a growing acceptance of people who are transgender by the Catholic church.

Councilor says Sky News hosts prove why Pride symbols are important

The councilor who put forward a proposal for a Pride flag artwork in inner-city Melbourne has responded to criticism from Sky News hosts.

On This Gay Day | The film ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ arrived in 1985

The film was a milestone in the careers of writer Hanif Kureishi, director Stephen Frears and actors Gordon Warnekce and Daniel Day-Lewis.

Nominations open for the 2026 Western Australian Multicultural Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Awards.

NSW Premier urged to fund specific legal support for LGBTIQA+ communities

The Inner City Legal Centre has pleaded for more funding and a state wide approach.

Pope Leo has invited transgender rights advocates to lunch

The move is seen as a growing acceptance of people who are transgender by the Catholic church.