Jury convicts Fargo man of illegal possession of machine gun

FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – A Fargo man has been convicted of illegally having a machine gun and an unregistered silencer.

Patrick Opdahl, 24, was found guilty after a three-day trial in US District Court in Fargo.

The US Attorney’s Office says law enforcement was called to the home of Opdahl’s parents last February. They were told that he pulled a gun and fired a shot into the ceiling during an argument. His parents were able to escape safely, but Opdahl refused to surrender, leading to an hours-long standoff with police and Red River Regional SWAT. He eventually gave up during talks with negotiators. A sentencing date has not been set.

While investigating, law enforcement learned that Opdahl possessed several ‘ghost guns’, including a machinegun and firearm silencer.

Privately made firearms, commonly called ‘ghost guns,’ are enticing to people who can’t legally own weapons because of their untraceable nature. In 2022, the Department of Justice seized 25,785 ghost guns in the U.S.

“Firearms violence should not be the solution we use to solve disagreements,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “We are grateful for the great partnership with Fargo Police Department and for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, successfully prosecuting this case. Mr. Opdahl is rightfully going to be held accountable for his poor decisions.”

“Illegal machinegun conversion devices are a threat to the public and to the safety of law enforcement officers in North Dakota,” Schneider said. “This is especially true when ‘ghost’ guns are involved. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the federal prosecution of those who possess illegal firearms and individuals who possess firearms illegally.”

The investigation was conducted by Fargo police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.