Former Student Arraigned for Threatening Mass Shooting at Soka University

Weapons seized at David Kenneth Smith’s Los Angeles apartment.

SANTA ANA — A former student was arraigned Nov. 6 for threatening a mass shooting at Soka University in Aliso Viejo on YouTube and in emails to a staff member.

David Kenneth Smith

David Kenneth Smith, 39, of Los Angeles was charged with one felony count of criminal threats and faces three years in state prison. He pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $1 million, though prosecutors called for no bail.

Smith is accused of posting videos on YouTube while holding firearms, praising the perpetrators of recent mass shootings, and discussing the possibility of carrying out an attack at the university.

On Oct. 31, Smith is accused of sending emails to a staff member at Soka that threatened violence on the campus and included a link to one of his videos.

The staff member reported the messages and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. OCSD arrested Smith at his Los Angeles apartment on Nov. 2.

Smith, who is due back in court on Nov. 15, is also accused of possessing nine loaded firearms at the time of his arrest.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Brett Brian.