A Troubled Exchange Student Facing Deportation
In a court of law that feels like a bad episode of a crime show, 18‑year‑old Sun An‑Tso “Edward” was handed a sentence that goes from prison to plane flights. Illinois‑born, Taiwanese‑raised, and suddenly the world’s biggest warning sign.
Who Is Sun?
Sun is currently locked up at the Federal Detention Centre in Philadelphia. A fellow student at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High in Upper Darby, he once told a classmate to stay away from school on May 1 because he’d “shoot up the place” – only to joke that it was a prank.
He’s not a lone wolf. His parents are high‑profile entertainers back in Taiwan: actor‑producer Sun Peng and opera‑singer Di Ying. Those Hollywood shirts? One of the many things that have made him a celebrity of a very unfortunate sort.
The Legal Dance
- Federal Charges – Sun pleaded guilty to violating a law that forbids aliens from buying ammunition. He brought into existence over 1,000 rounds of bullets, a 9‑mm semi‑automatic he built from online parts, and a whole bag of other weapons.
- State Charges – He also pleaded guilty to a state terroristic‑threats charge. According to court papers, the threats were made in a somewhat decayed, 1973‑style distressed tone, which sort of ironizes the seriousness of his actions.
- Sentencing – US District Judge Nitza Quinones Alejandro had Sun sentenced to “time served” (about five months) and ordered an immediate deportation. The lawyer, Robert Keller, says the sentence finds a “young man” making a mistake.
- Deportation Delay – The trip back to Taiwan could take around 4–6 weeks. The student’s future in the United States is, unfortunately, forever sealed: “permanently barred from re‑entry.”
What the Police Staged
One of the most cinematic moments came when his host mother realized she had a 9‑mm gun and numerous bullets in her pocket. In a move straight out of a thriller, she took the bag to a lawyer. By the same clock tick, law‑enforcement raided the home, recovering:
- 20 extra bullets and a large body‑armor suit
- A crossbow and seven arrows (maybe he was planning a medieval siege?)
- Four extended magazines for an AR‑15 rifle and a Glock pistol
- Evidence on his iPad that he’d been looking up how to purchase an AR‑15 online
The suspect also frequented a suburban Philadelphia gun range to practice shooting, showing that the dream of becoming a notorious school shooter was, unfortunately, for some reason, more serious than a joke.
Community Reactions
Even though this case is heavy, the community has been oddly supportive, with one teacher praising the host mother’s quick decision to act before the threat escalated. “We are grateful to have had a system that quickly intervenes,” she said.
Moral Takeaway
In an era when the headlines scream “who’s going to keep us safe?” this case reminds us that sometimes the shield we need is our own vigilance. It’s a plea that all of us, educators, parents, and citizens, may be asked of: keep an eye out, and if you ever spot suspicious activity—even if it looks like a joke—report it. The world would be a little safer.
