LINCOLN COUNTY, MINNESOTA — In mid-June, a Minnesota man—described by authorities as a “prepper” with a doomsday mindset—was charged with murdering two lawmakers and injuring two more. Investigators found weapons, passports, cash, and a detailed “bailout plan” instructing his family to “prepare for war.” The incident sparked the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.
It’s not that “preparing for war” is automatically wrong—history shows it’s one of many real-world risks. The difference is critical: preparing in case war comes is prudent; preparing so you can start one is evil.
For those of us who live in the Midwest, this hits uncomfortably close to home. The tools and skills we build for resilience can be twisted if our perspective shifts from readiness to confrontation. This tragic case is a reminder: preparedness should strengthen life—not destroy it.
Mindset Matters
Every plan starts in the mind. Prepping should be rooted in practical readiness: weather events, supply chain hiccups, medical emergencies. When we start prepping against our own community, the focus changes from survival to aggression—and that’s a dangerous pivot.
Keep It Legal, Keep It Safe
- Stock what you need: food, water, first aid, tools.
- Learn what you need: CPR, basic repairs, gardening, navigation.
- Protect your household—without threatening others.
Build Community, Not Isolation
Resilience in the Midwest comes from neighbors looking out for each other. Share knowledge. Coordinate for storm prep. Check on the elderly during heat waves. The stronger the network, the less likely panic will take hold when trouble comes.
Practical Next Steps for Plains Preppers
- Review your written plans and remove any hostile or illegal actions.
- Schedule one community-building activity this month—like a skills swap or preparedness workshop.
- Audit your supplies to ensure they’re geared toward emergencies, not conflict.
Preparedness is not about fear—it’s about stewardship. It’s the quiet confidence that when storms roll in, shelves empty, or the lights go out, you and your family can endure without becoming a danger to others.
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