The KKK tried to build a death ray

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a reported incident involving two individuals, one affiliated with the KKK, who attempted to create a device described as an X-ray "cannon" intended to harm those they considered enemies. The conversation touches on themes of ethics, the feasibility of such a weapon, and societal implications, while also addressing the nature of the sources cited in the discussion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the feasibility of creating a radiation weapon as described in the news reports and whether such devices could be used by malicious individuals.
  • Others challenge the validity of the original claim, emphasizing the need for peer-reviewed sources and questioning the reliability of mainstream news articles.
  • There is a discussion about the motivations of the individuals involved, with some participants noting the KKK's historical opposition to various groups, including Jews and Muslims.
  • Several participants share links to news articles and reports discussing the incident, indicating a broader media coverage of the event.
  • Some participants reflect on the implications of such a weapon existing, drawing parallels to other forms of weaponry and expressing concerns about safety and ethics.
  • There are references to other examples of non-lethal weapons, such as the Active Denial System, which adds to the discussion on the potential for harmful technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views. Participants disagree on the credibility of the sources, the motivations behind the actions of the individuals involved, and the implications of the incident. There is no consensus on the feasibility of creating such a weapon or the broader societal implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the reliability of news sources and the need for peer-reviewed studies to substantiate claims. The discussion also highlights the complexity of motivations behind extremist actions and the potential for misinterpretation of events by the media.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying ethics in technology, the societal implications of weaponization, and the intersection of engineering and moral responsibility.

jack476
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I know it's old-ish news, but I just heard about it in an engineering class recently while we were talking about ethics. Apparently two guys, one a member of the KKK, decided that they would try to hack some medical equipment into a serviceable X-ray "cannon" that would expose those they deemed "enemies of Israel" (read: Muslims) to a lethal dose of radiation. Thankfully, they were caught in time by law enforcement.

But the story still kind of frightened me. I know it's a bit of a heavy subject for PF (involving some not-too-cheery subjects like racism and terrorism) but I really feel I need to ask...what if they hadn't been caught? Would such a device even be feasible, do I need to worry about lunatics running around with deadly homemade radiation guns?
 
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jack476 said:
I know it's old-ish news, but I just heard about it in an engineering class recently while we were talking about ethics. Apparently two guys, one a member of the KKK, decided that they would try to hack some medical equipment into a serviceable X-ray "cannon" that would expose those they deemed "enemies of Israel" (read: Muslims) to a lethal dose of radiation. Thankfully, they were caught in time by law enforcement.
Hi jack, apparently you did not read our rules before posting. Please post the peer reviewed study published in an accepted journal that verifies your claim, We don't accept anecdotes.
 
Evo said:
Hi jack, apparently you did not read our rules before posting. Please post the peer reviewed study published in an accepted journal that verifies your claim, We don't accept anecdotes.

He's not making a claim Evo. This was a news story...

Pretty sure there are no peer reviewed journals out there discussing KKK members constructing death rays.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/20/justice/new-york-x-ray-plot/
 
Rick21383 said:
He's not making a claim Evo. This was a news story...

Pretty sure there are no peer reviewed journals out there discussing KKK members constructing death rays.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/20/justice/new-york-x-ray-plot/

We still don't discuss a lot of stuff that shows up in 'The National Enquirer' or 'Weekly News of the World', either.

You boys don't have a lot to worry about, at least, if you're not Muslim.
 
SteamKing said:
We still don't discuss a lot of stuff that shows up in 'The National Enquirer' or 'Weekly News of the World', either.

You boys don't have a lot to worry about, at least, if you're not Muslim.

CNN is comparable to the National Enquirer?
 
Evo said:
Hi jack, apparently you did not read our rules before posting. Please post the peer reviewed study published in an accepted journal that verifies your claim, We don't accept anecdotes.

It was in the national news from nearly every outlet I could find. I am only saying that I first heard about it in a class on engineering/technology ethics.

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-06/man-attempts-build-x-ray-gun-use-it-evil

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/nyregion/2-accused-of-trying-to-create-a-weapon.html?_r=0

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way...ts-accuse-two-of-plotting-deadly-x-ray-weapon

And a copy of the official investigation report may be found here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/148803884/Full-Criminal-Complaint-against-Crawford-and-Feight
 
SteamKing said:
You boys don't have a lot to worry about, at least, if you're not Muslim.

I'm not, but that's not the question I'm asking. What I'm worried about is whether, if some malcontent were so inclined, for a radiation weapon such as that described in the news reports could even exist and be used.

I'm particularly curious because issues related to nuclear/WMD disarmament (I know it's not truly a nuclear weapon, but it still feels pretty similar) are very important to me.
 
Rick21383 said:
He's not making a claim Evo. This was a news story...

Pretty sure there are no peer reviewed journals out there discussing KKK members constructing death rays.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/20/justice/new-york-x-ray-plot/

I don't blame him, it does sound pretty ridiculous. But then again, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
 
  • #10
Enigman said:
Her, actually.
Anywho:
http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2013/06/21/on-death-rays/
http://physicsbuzz.physicscentral.com/2013/06/fermi-problem-friday-x-ray-assasins.html

Ah, her, my mistake. Sorry, Evo!

Thanks. That answered my question. Obviously if it was possible we'd hear about more people doing this, really should have thought of that before starting to worry.

Also, I found the "90% less wrong than Michio Kaku" line in the scienceblogs article very amusing...not too difficult to do these days though :P
 
  • #13
It has been getting exhausting having to read a new peer-reviewed study after each post about Ukraine and the missing plane, so I'm glad the forum is relaxing its rules a bit...
 
  • #14
jack476 said:
Apparently two guys, one a member of the KKK, decided that they would try to hack some medical equipment into a serviceable X-ray "cannon" that would expose those they deemed "enemies of Israel" (read: Muslims) to a lethal dose of radiation.

The KKK opposes Israel, not Muslims. Sure, they oppose everybody who is not themselves. But Jews are generally hated more than Muslims by the KKK. I guess this is an exception. I saw a documentary once on a group of neo-nazis who collaborated with some muslims on some anti-israel action. Enemy of my enemy type of thing...
 
  • #16
ModusPwnd said:
The KKK opposes Israel, not Muslims. Sure, they oppose everybody who is not themselves. But Jews are generally hated more than Muslims by the KKK. I guess this is an exception. I saw a documentary once on a group of neo-nazis who collaborated with some muslims on some anti-israel action. Enemy of my enemy type of thing...

Assuming the story is real and not something that's just completely blown out of proportion by the media or otherwise bizarrely elaborate hoax, I think it's safe to say the guy is crazy enough for specifics not to matter.
 
  • #17
Good point!
 
  • #18
Rick21383 said:
He's not making a claim Evo. This was a news story...

Pretty sure there are no peer reviewed journals out there discussing KKK members constructing death rays.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/20/justice/new-york-x-ray-plot/
Lol, you're right, sometimes I just paste the standard blurb if I get interrupted while moderating. You guys are smart though and know when a mainstream article is appropriate. If you're not sure, just PM me and ask me if I posted the wrong instructions.
 

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