This is a cautionary tale for anyone posting on social media, to be aware that what you post in jest can have dire consequences, especially within a hyper-sensitive politically correct society, looking to advance a political agenda at all costs.
Lucas Gerhard, a 20-year old college student purchased a new rifle and decided to show-it-off to friends on social media, posting a photo of the AR-15 with a humorous caption on August 22nd reading; “Takin this bad boy up, this outta make the snowflakes melt, aye? And I mean snowflakes as in snow ;).”
A boastful self-aggrandizing remark that most 20-year olds would post to their friends on Snapchat, without any concern.
However when Gerhard returned for fall classes at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the following day, little did he realize his post had become political fodder for an anti-gun zealot who harbored a personal dislike for Gerhard.
With rifle in hand, Gerhard arrived at the public safety department to register and secure his weapon, along with his 240 rounds of ammunition as required by school rules.
However, on Aug. 24th, Gerhard was arrested on a charge of making a terrorist threat, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
According to court records, two students informed the Lake Superior State public safety department about Gerhard’s Snapchat post the same day he shared it with friends. The two described Gerhard has had “extreme political views” and worried he could pose a risk to the campus.
Security officials at the school indicated that Gerhard had come to their attention previously by an anonymous tipster, who said he was a “potential school shooter.”
After his arrest, Gerhard attempted to explain the Snapchat post to a police officer. He said he meant “snowflake” to refer to liberals or Democrats and “melt” to allude to their “minds melting” when they learned he had brought an AR-15 to school.
Michigan State Rep. Beau Matthew LaFave, upon hearing the news of Gerhard’s arrest on Tuesday, immediately called on Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Stratton III to drop the charges.
The Republican legislator exclaimed that “Lucas was a 19-year-old LSSU Student studying to become a police officer when his school, the police, and prosecutors decided to turn his life upside-down over a joke.”
Adding, “You may not like what Lucas said, but he is NOT a terrorist. His post was protected political speech under the First Amendment. Elected Prosecutors should know the difference.”
A crowd-funding page for Gerhard described him as an “Eagle Scout studying criminal justice.
The names of the students who made the complaint should be made public. These are the ones who should be looking at 20 years.
This is crazy when the snowflakes get more protection than us. The Democratic party are the party of traitors and liars.
Maybe they should look into the lives and actions of the ones who made the report. Sounds like they are political zealots. Doesn’t what they say cause harm?
Isn’t the accusations hurtful and painful to him?
IT WORKS BOTH WAYS FOLKS !!
Time to grow a brain and some common sense!!
This shows that some people in America have lost common sense, Or want to get their name in the Fake news. I hope that “THEY” don’t come after me. Mik po…. n
Would they have taken the same action if he had purchased a 9mm semi automatic pistol?
Typical of the DEMS in Michigan……..The LIBS (empty headed) keep voting those completely irrational politicians………..They make those LIBS think they are doing so much when actually they do nothing but follow up on someone elses endeavors…….
way to go, Joey, Potter,and NR! It’s about time these nazi Commie liberals should shut up. sick of their pontificating.
way to go, Joey, Patriot, Potter,and NR! It’s about time these nazi Commie liberals should shut up. sick of their pontificating.
What a sorry State of Affairs when a Country like America can’t crack jokes, a Country that’s been known for its humor from its inception compared to the rest of the world! Bob Hope, Mark Twain, Jackie Mason, Red Skelton, ad Infinitum. Who would all be incarcerated at one time or another for their politically incorrect humor! Please take your nonsense to whatever sick society appreciates it!
Sounds like a N I C E lawsuit against the SCHOOL and ANY law enforcement who VIOLATED his 1st Amendment Right. Of course, a little COMMON SENSE on BOTH sides would have gone a LONG way as well. Team Trump and his allies 2020.
These treasonous hypocrite libs(lying sack of Schiff) don’t know the meaning of the truth! They are at it again and just as mentally deranged as the rest of the Globalists NAZI Muslim Commie Liberal Demoncrats! Deep State, Pelosi, Waters, Schumer, Hollywood, Academia, Fake News, Swamp News and you know the rest!! Expose, Boycott, Sue, prosecute and bring to justice all these lying Fake News deep state treasonous Godless NAZI commie liberal demoncrats and RINOs (Mutt Romney, Susan Collins, Lindsey Grahams ,Murkowski, Justice Roberts, Bolton and you know the rest of the traitors) post-haste,Patriots! Drain the rat infested swamp President Trump!
You have issues.
The pot is calling the kettle black. They have problems, turning this country into a hardcore Soviet KGB system. But they have no clue of the meanings for Soviet or KGB, so they invent it again. It did work although very primitive social poison.
Nr, you’re Spot On!
social media is the worst thing in the world . It has its good points but many more bad points . This guy should have known that Only libs , dims and illegal aliens have the right of Free expression . If you are on the right or are a conservative Christian , you do Not have free expression . This country is completely upside down . GOD Bless President Trump and His Family and His supporters .
This PC crap has gotten way out of control. You have to be as careful in The United States as you do in China, Russia, or North Korea with what you post. There is no such thing as a joke or comedy anymore. Heaven forbid you get stopped and have no I.D. on you. And if you have it, it better be current. It’s as if you died the day your I.D. ran out and won’t be considered to exist until it’s renewed. Citizens, be sure your ‘papers are in order’, your ‘travel documents’ are in order, and your Social Media Posts have only PC accepted slogans. Otherwise you may be a terrorist!
It is because of liberal snowflakes and political correctness that this country is going to hell in a hand basket! Trump is still my President 2020! He will continue to drain the swamp…
The socialists are scary. If they get into power, we will not be allowed to disagree with them. They will return us to a Middle Ages, with only two classes. They see themselves as the nobility and the rest of us as serfs.
Socialism cannot exist without a dictatorship.
Do we really want to be like Venezuela, Cuba, or Russia ( where Putin just declared himself dictator for life)?
Go to one of those countries and disagree with the establishment and see what happens.
A Democrat can say or do anything that they wish against A Republican but anything against then hurts their little Pussy Feelings. I see the news stories today how the Lying, Cheating Dems had their fingers in The Iowa Caucus. I also saw another story where A Liberal punched a man in the face for wearing A Make 50 Great Again Hat she appeared too dumb to read. Also I am hearing stories where The Democrats are talking about Impeaching Trump Again maybe its time for A 5 Million Armed March on DC and put the word out that this chit stops now. The American Voters will decide in November if Trump remains in office.
Well, if he IS an Eagle Scout he knows how to shoot AND knows Gun SAFETY!
you should be careful what you post unless you are a dem then its ok
Political correctness and liberal democrats are setting this country up for another civil war. It will be more bloody then the last civil war. Why do you think the democrats want to disarm the civilians.