Terror attack thwarted at LA Pride

James Howell, 20, was detained in nearby Santa Monica. His car was laden with guns and bomb-making materials just hours before the annual LGBT parade in West Hollywood.

The arrest came just hours after 50 people were massacred at a gay nightclub in Florida.

Authorities said there did not appear to be a connection between this man and the Orlando nightclub shooting, but mobilised scores of officers to protect the parade.

Jacqueline Seabrooks, the Santa Monica Police Department’s Police Chief, confirmed the man said he “wanted to harm” the event.

Man told @SantaMonicaPD officer of wanting to harm Gay Pride event during arrest for weapons and explosive materials possession.

— Jacqueline Seabrooks (@SantaMonicaCoP) June 12, 2016

Seabrooks did not elaborate on these remarks.

A police spokesman said three assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and a 19-litre bucket filled with chemicals that could be used to cre-ate an explosive device were found in his vehicle.

Santa Monica police said in a statement that Howell was arrested after a resident reported a prowler knocking on their door and window around 5am.

Authorities said they had considered calling off the parade, but decided to go forward while beefing up security, including placing undercover police in the crowd.