What must a person do to commit an offense of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure?

To commit the offense of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, a person must intentionally discharge a firearm into that structure. This reflects a clear understanding of intent in criminal law, as the action must be deliberate and directed at a location where it is known that people are present. This specific element of intent underscores the serious nature of the crime, as it not only poses a danger to individuals within the structure but also indicates a disregard for public safety.

The other actions mentioned do not fulfill the legal criteria for this offense. Firing a warning shot into the air, for example, does not target the occupied structure and may imply a lack of intent to harm. Discharging a firearm in a recreational area may involve reckless behavior, but it does not specifically address an occupied structure. Accidentally firing a weapon near a building likewise lacks the necessary intent and is treated differently under the law, focusing more on negligence than on deliberate wrongdoing. Thus, intentionality is a key requirement for the offense, making the correct choice the one that emphasizes this crucial aspect.