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Worst case scenario: local professor on probability of a North Korea attack

By HILARY LANE

Story Created: Feb 4, 2013 at 2:07 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2013 at 7:25 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - North Korea is threatening another nuclear test at any moment as a way of protesting against international sanctions.

The United States and South Korea have already said if the country goes through with it, they will face grave consequences.

However, if North Korea does conduct nuclear tests, are Americans at risk?

Utica College Professor Dr. Nathaniel Richmond said the country simply does not have the technology.

"It's one thing to have a nuclear weapon and its a another thing to use that nuclear weapon, to put it on a device, and deliver that device and have that nuclear weapon detonate," said Dr. Richmond. "It's not an easy technology."

Richmond said that the idea that North Korea could destroy California, for example, with a nuclear weapon is absurd. Also, the country would face severe retaliation from the United States, which they wouldn't be able to handle.

There is some risk, concludes Dr. Richmond, if North Korea sells their technology to terrorist groups.

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