“Pro Mass Shooting” Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge
Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News)- The U.S. Attorney's Office says a Minnesota man who is described as “pro mass shooting” and was preparing for a violent confrontation with law enforcement has admitted to a federal weapons charge.
U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Andrew Luger says the case started last September when several citizens reported what’s described as concerning behavior from an individual at a gun range. An FBI informant then began communicating with the subject over social media.
The man, identified as 21-year-old River William Smith of Savage, claimed he was pro mass shooting and expressed admiration for the individual charged with the recent shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub as well as sympathy for the Parkland School shooter, federal court documents say. The FBI investigation also found Smith was preparing for a violent confrontation with law enforcement and had access to several firearms, including an AR-style rifle, along with body armor.
Court records say Smith was also studying body camera video of officer-involved shootings. Last November, Smith arraigned a purchase of hand grenades and parts that would allow him to convert firearms into fully automatic machine guns.
Smith sent the informant a down payment for materials and met with the informant to purchase the materials last December. Law enforcement arrested Smith after he handed the informant $690 and took possession of three grenades and three auto sears, a news release from Lugar’s office says.
Smith admitted to a count of illegal possession of a machine gun in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
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