21-year-old Twin Cities resident River William Smith received a sentence of almost seven years in federal prison for attempting to purchase machine gun conversion kits and for discussing disturbing ideas about armed conflicts with law enforcement and mass killings, Star Tribune reported.
River William Smith of Savage Sentenced for Attempted Machine Gun Purchase (Photo from KSTP)
Recorded Statements and Disturbing Aspirations of River William Smith
River William Smith’s sentencing came after his recorded statements revealed celebrations of mass shootings and contemplation of armed conflicts with law enforcement. The investigation also uncovered his aspirations to assist Russians in harming Americans in Ukraine post-release.
Despite prosecutors urging a maximum 10-year sentence, the federal judge, David Doty, handed down 80 months, emphasizing the severity of Smith’s recorded statements but refraining from labeling his actions as terroristic conduct.
Smith’s alarming remarks included support for Nazi paramilitary groups, advocating mass killings of various communities, and expressing a desire to join the Russian army.
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Defense and Future Concerns
River William Smith’s defense argued for an 18-month sentence, characterizing the case as a “run-of-the-mill firearms case,” while prosecutors emphasized the “unique danger” Smith posed to the public.
Smith plans to appeal his sentence, expressing regret for his actions, which he termed a “mistake” made in his youth, while insisting he was not a criminal before the incident.
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