SAVAGE, Minn. – A self-described racist and homophobe, River William Smith, was arrested by federal agents in a set-up street deal to buy three hand grenades and four machine-gun components. After the arrest Smith, age 20, of the south Minneapolis suburb of Savage, was taken 45 miles to the Sherburne County jail in Elk River, which U.S. agents use to hold their prisoners. The criminal complaint said that Smith was preparing for a violent exchange with police. The FBI had been tracking Smith since September. A retired police officer working at a gun range in Prior Lake tipped the FBI to Smith. The retired officer said that Smith, dressed in plated armor, had been practicing rapid reload drills and shooting hundreds of rounds.
At firing range. Smith at Prior Lake practice firing range near his home in Savage. Image: U..S Justice Department