Utahn threatened mass school shooting using 3D-printed gun, police say

[Julian Englis]

Source: Deseret News

A South Jordan man faces a criminal charge after police say he threatened to commit a mass shooting at a small South Salt Lake school using a gun made from a 3D printer.

Austin James David West, 23, was charged Aug. 9 in South Salt Lake Justice Court with making a threat of violence, a class B misdemeanor.

On Aug. 8, West was arrested at his home after he talked with another student "about using a gun to shoot students at Broadview University," according to a Salt Lake County Jail report.

"The statements were forwarded to the university, which caused the university dean to be fearful that a school shooting was actually going to take place. An email had to be sent to faculty and students warning them of the threat of a shooting at the school. The school chose to remain open," the report states.

Read more: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900029678/utahn-threatened-mass-school-shooting-using-3d-printed-gun-police-say.html

---

The NRA will defend this man.

[LakeSuperiorView]

1. Correct me if I'm wrong, but getting 4 shots out of a printed gun is a crap shoot.

One needs to shoot 4 people to be a mass shooting and from what I've seen, printed guns may or may not last 4 shots. The heat from the gunpowder melts the plastic. I suppose that a hybrid using a ceramic barrel might survive longer, but the run of the mill 3D printers using thermoplastics are going to melt.

The "purpose" of a 3D printed gun is to be untraceable and undetectable with metal detectors. They are neither reliable nor durable.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. What are you saying, it's not so bad because it doesn't fit the definition and can't happen due to

the plastic technology? And since it's not reliable or durable it's not a threat? And it's sure not untraceable if they announce it?

So you're trying to diminish the problem so we'll back down? Pretty transparent to me.

[LakeSuperiorView]

3. No, that would be your words, not mine.

I'm saying is if the guy was planning a mass shooting, not only is he an criminal, but an idiot as well. Like choosing a screwdriver to pound nails.

If you have a problem with that fact, how about sharing your beliefs instead of attacking me with the fabrications of your mind?

[LanternWaste]

9. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not possible to print numerous copies?

If four shots are needed, and the printed firearms are good for two shots at most, wouldn't the solution simply be printing and bringing additional weapons?

[LakeSuperiorView]

11. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it a safe bet that a newspaper knows how to pluralize?

If he was going to use a gun, to vast majority of people that means one gun. Others, of course, like to fly off on wild tangents to try to start arguments for no reason.

Of course, the definition of mass shooting is at least 4 victims, only an underachiever would seek the minimum amount needed.

[Ahpook]

4. I think anyone using these things blows their fingers off

That asshole in Texas going against the order and selling the schematic has no sense of what gun control means. There will be blood on his hands. You can only imagine who is buying the thing.

[truthisfreedom]

5. A mass shooting planned with a gun that holds one round.

This is the kind of idiot who would believe it’s safe to send astronauts to the sun, as long as you go at night.

[john657]

6. LOL.

I got a big laugh at your post.

[Ahpook]

7. Icarus

Fly to the sun, Trump!

Why is this person in that position?

On edit: The way our country seems to be going is bringing out the ugly in people.

Gonsarnit! We can do better

[Nitram]

8. How many bullets can a 3-D printed gun fire before melting?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they are very limited in capacity, accuracy and range.That said, if even one person is killed by one, that is too many. I'm just taking issue with the "mass shooting" contention.

[melm00se]

10. You might want to watch this

as this is the probable result in a plastic printed gun with even the slightest flaw.