Expert's Reply

A.

CyberShrink

ALL such threats have to be taken seriously, and nobody, fathers-in-law included are allowed to threaten anyone else's life, let alone to atempt to or actually damage them. That's criminal behaviour.
When you mention "another country" Im not clear which countries or cultures are relevant here. If you are in SA, or any other country I know of, to threaten to kill anyone is a criminal offense for which someone can be arrested and jailed. And the more so if he is threatening a whole family. Why is he so hostile and aggressive ? Why can't the family apprpach the police and have his gun license revoked and the gun removed ?
If he refuses to work, its his business to get a job, not threaten other people with shooting them if they don't support his laziness. This is probably Demanding Money with Menaces, and a further crime.
Of course you should get a restraining order against this vicious person, and it should be suggested to the court that he also be sent to a secure psychiatric hospital for compulsory assessment as this is in no way normal or acceptable behaviour.
As Liza says, once there is a restraining order, the entire family must insist it is kept to - and if he breaks it ever or in any way, he is to be arested and end in jail.
You are all under-reacting. And there is no suh thing as a person who will never act on their threats - often enough they do, so all such threats must be taken very seriously.
Maybe a group like POWA which advises abused women, could help advise on safe places you and your children could seek refuge while this horrible person is being dealt with legally.