Wisconsin man threatened workplace shooting, 5 guns found in his home, police say

MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin officials are proving just how seriously they're taking threats of mass violence, charging a man they say threatened to shoot up his workplace, and imposing a 28-year prison term for threats.

Kevin Pinkham, 31, told a co-worker at a Menards Distribution Center that he planned to "shoot up the place," according to a criminal complaint.

In an apparent effort to add credence to the threat, Pinkham said he had killed 34 people while in the military. He also admitted texting his girlfriend that he was "going to kill everyone" – though he told investigators that was a joke.

Annoyed by a group chat:Florida teen threatens school shooting

Officials found four rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition at Pinkham's home, and a 9mm handgun and ammunition in his car.

He is charged with making terrorist threats and disorderly conduct. If convicted, he faces nearly four years of incarceration.

Follow Bruce Vielmetti on Twitter: @ProofHearsay.