Lucas Gerhard Michigan Case
A college student faces terrorism charges after threatening to melt snowflakes.
Lucas Gerhard studied Law Enforcement at Michigan’s Lake Superior State University, just a short walk from the US and Canada border. He studied there until he was charged with the felony charge of making terrorist threats, and under the Michigan Penal Code, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
You see, Lucas posted a photo of an AR-15 with a bit of commentary that made a female student on campus feel threatened. Someone grabbed a screenshot of the AR15 with his comment and reported it to the safety office. What did Lucas say to upset someone so badly? He posted the picture and put this commentary on it:
Takin this bad boy up, this outta make the snowflakes melt, aye? And I mean snowflakes as in snow. 😉
PEOPLE OF MI V LUCAS DANIEL GERHARD
Searching the apartment of Lucas Gerhard
Shortly after the post was reported, police went to Lucas’ apartment, and with his permission and cooperation, they allowed them to search his car and his room. During the search, they found the following:
- AR15
- 700 rounds of ammo in two metal ammo boxes
- three 30 round magazines
- police baton (required for one of his classes)
- detached AR bayonet
- two small bladed knives
- spring loaded BB pistol
It should be noted that the rifle, ammo, and magazines were stored properly and were not easily accessible. Lucas was not in trouble for having the items properly stored. He was asked to turn over these items to the police, and he did so without incident.
During his hearing, the prosecutor threatened to add an additional charge unless he pleaded guilty to “firearm in the commission of a felony”. He declined and isn’t pleading. The prosecutor paints Lucas as a right-wing nut job and even had the office comment that his conservative values could be seen as “extreme”.
There are a number of items that are going against Lucas at the moment that need to be corrected:
- The law in Michigan for the terrorist code needs to be updated. Currently, using his intent, as he wasn’t going to hurt folks, won’t be able to be used as a defense.
- In general, people can’t have disagreements without villainizing the other side. (This goes for both sides)
The person who reported the original threat has had multiple disagreements with Lucas Gerhard about their own beliefs and how the world should work. They are at college; isn’t that what’s supposed to happen? You disagree, you get exposed to new ideas, and maybe you learn a thing or two.
What can you do to help?
If you feel inclined, there is a GoFundMe page helping Lucas raise some cash for his legal defense.
If it were me, I’d offer this advice to all the young people I cared about:
- Stop posting pictures of everything; the internet is ink for millions to see.
- Disagree with people; let them be wrong; it will be okay.
- Don’t join social media to keep up with people; it’s all fake.
______________________________
Assault Weapons Ban comes to Canada
______________________________
References
Mprn, Rick Pluta |. “Trial Can Go Forward Against Student Accused of Making Terrorist Threat on Snapchat.” Michigan Radio, 25 June 2021, www.michiganradio.org/news/2021-06-25/trial-can-go-forward-against-student-accused-of-making-terrorist-threat-on-snapchat.
Bellinger, Barbara. “Terrorism Threat Needs Sharper Definition, Lawmakers Say.” Spartan Newsroom, 22 Oct. 2021, news.jrn.msu.edu/2021/10/terrorism-threat-needs-sharper-definition-lawmakers-say.
Clark, Alex. “LSSU Student Loses Appeal on Terrorism Threat Charge.” https://www.uppermichiganssource.com, 2 July 2021, www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/07/02/lssu-student-loses-appeal-terrorism-threat-charge.
______________________________
For more information and to explore our content, visit our website at https://www.carbontv.com.
For more exciting outdoor content and updates, make sure to visit our blog at https://blog.carbontv.com.
______________________________
Explore CarbonTV
Live Cams | Live TV | Shows | Films | Podcasts | CarbonTV Outfitter Services | Firearm Safety | Store
It is very sad that in this day and age we as citizens of this great country can not express ourselves without the far left making it into a dooms day scenario just so that they can have their 15 minutes of fame. After all its all about the social media craze these days. Feel threatened, now that’s rich…its just a picture with some words!
Well said James; thank you for sharing.
If it’s Hollywood actors or famous singers it’s ok to speak the same words. Madonna said she has dreams of blowing up the White House. Robert DiNero wants to punch the President in the face. Many more but they are famous and so nothing happens
My Grandparents owned multiple firearms. They never brought them out for show and never talked about them to anyone outside the immediate family, who were also armed. Keep your business to yourself.
My comment: on what he posted: I believe that he meant that it would make the “Snowflakes” mad enough to melt from their hatred for the AR15!
Years ago when I was working, but on a break in the Break Room, a female employee ask me a question about the Bible and what it said. She didn’t like my answer and reported it to management, that I was talking about religion on company property and I was reprimanded!
At 79 I am too old to know how to start one, but someone needs to start a petition to get signatures to send to send to the Governor in Michigan!