Law enforcement agencies working with Frostburg State University have identified the person involved in the threat that put the University and local schools on alert this morning. The threat was determined to not be credible.
The threat originated in a multi-player online game when one player, later determined to be a Frostburg State University student, made vague threats of violence toward the University community, during a conversation with another player. The other player notified Frostburg City Police, who, in turn, informed University Police.
Numerous police agencies participated in identifying the source of the threat, and Microsoft provided technical assistance in identifying the student’s IP address. Allegany County’s Combined County Criminal Investigation Unit, known as C3I, led the investigation. The campus community was also informed that a threat had occurred. When the student was identified, that student’s person and residence were searched and no weapons or other dangerous devices were found.
The student has been placed on interim suspension pending a hearing to determine if administrative charges will be put in place by the University. The Allegany County State’s Attorney’s office is determining if any criminal charges should be filed. The student was not arrested at the scene.
“All of us at Frostburg State University wish to thank the area police agencies and Microsoft for their valuable assistance in bringing this issue to a successful close, and in protecting the safety of the University community,” said FSU President Jonathan Gibralter.
Officers from the Maryland State Police, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department and Frostburg City Police assisted University Police officers in securing the campus. At one point, more than 40 officers were patrolling the campus and assisting in the investigation. The Allegany County State’s Attorney’s office also provided on-site assistance.
“I hope this incident will serve as a reminder that ill-advised comments will have consequences,” Gibralter said. “Our students’ safety is our utmost priority, and we will take the steps necessary to protect them.”
