Kansas City, Missouri – A Kansas City, Missouri man is facing a federal charge after authorities said he unlawfully possessed unregistered destructive devices, a case that federal prosecutors linked to alleged discussions about violence against government targets.
Lake Ethan Roberts, 26, was charged in a one-count criminal complaint filed in federal court in the Western District of Missouri. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Roberts made his initial court appearance after being accused of possessing destructive devices that were not registered as required under federal law.
Court documents allege Roberts was connected to a group known as the “Red Legs,” which prosecutors said has been active since at least November 2023. Members of the group allegedly used a private chat to talk about possible violent acts aimed at government agencies and property, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the National Guard and other opposing political groups.
Federal prosecutors said some messages attributed to Roberts showed the group discussing possible escalation.
Among the statements cited in court documents were: “We need to plan decisive action against ice and dhs,” and “What are the chances we could get away with using drones to drop incendiary’s [sic] to demolish key infrastructure.” Another message allegedly said, “After we build our ranks and adequately arm ourselves, we can look into escalation.”
Read also: Missouri road officials prepare for heavy Kansas City World Cup travel
The complaint also says members of the Red Legs periodically trained with firearms at a local shooting range as part of preparations for conflict with the federal government.
The charge centers on an alleged May 14, 2026, meeting in Richmond, Missouri. Prosecutors said Roberts and another Red Legs member met with an undercover law enforcement officer, and Roberts brought two duct-taped devices with apparent fuses. He allegedly described them as “alcohol shooters filled with black powder surrounded with steel BBs.”
Read also: Science City turns three floors into Minecraft-themed adventure for families on June 10
Authorities said Roberts detonated both devices in a rock quarry area to test them. The FBI Laboratory Explosives Unit later determined that the devices were improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. An explosives expert said devices of that type, if properly assembled, could cause property damage, injury or death.
Investigators also checked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Firearms Act Branch and determined Roberts had not registered any destructive devices under the National Firearms Act of 1934.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
