Duluth Man, 72, Accused of Threatening to Shoot Out Windows of Elementary School
A disturbing incident has unfolded in Duluth, Minnesota, where a 72-year-old man, Richard Joseph Neault, allegedly threatened to shoot out the windows of an elementary school to attract media attention. According to a criminal complaint filed in St. Louis County District Court, Neault planned to shoot at the school across the street from his house when it was unoccupied.
Neault is charged with felony threats of violence and remains in the St. Louis County jail. The alleged threats followed the August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, which resulted in the deaths of two students, ages 8 and 10, and injured 21 others, mostly children. The shooter died by suicide, according to police.
Investigation and Arrest
On Thursday evening, Neault told a bar worker to “watch the news” and that he was going to shoot the windows of the school. The worker contacted police, who responded to his house on the 5500 block of West Sixth Street, which is across the park adjacent to Laura MacArthur Elementary School. Neault allegedly admitted to making the threat, stating, “I know how to get the news crews here. I’ll take my SKS, all loaded up, and make sure that nobody is in the school, and I’ll take out about five of them (expletive) windows.”
A search warrant was executed at Neault’s house, where a SKS semiautomatic assault rifle, a homemade shotgun made from steel pipes, and ammunition were found. Handwritten documents mentioning weapons and Neault’s claim of being a trained killer were also discovered. Neault, a disabled veteran, claimed he was upset that media outlets had not responded to his requests to do a story about him.
Response from the School District
Adelle Wellens, a Duluth School District spokesperson, stated that Laura MacArthur School students stayed inside for recess on Friday as a precaution. Wellens emphasized, “We understand that events like this can be unsettling, and we have staff available to provide support for any student or staff who may need it. We encourage everyone to remember: if you see something, or hear something, say something.”
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of potential threats to ensure the safety of students and staff. As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, and the incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased awareness and cooperation to prevent such threats.
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