I don't think any of the authors problems were caused by misinterpreting something intended to be sarcastic. How exactly is one supposed to read "I have a shotg

I don't think any of the authors problems were caused by misinterpreting something intended to be sarcastic. How exactly is one supposed to read "I have a shotgun aimed at your head", or "I will mutilate your genitals with scissors" as lighthearted?