Today has been an interesting day, to say the least... the last time we were on alert like this was 9/11 (as the entire state of Maryland went on a state of emergency and closed all state government buildings, also quite a few of our student's parents work at the Pentagon or close to it in Washington D.C., also the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania was only around 30-40 miles from us.) Anyhow, apparently someone was making comments and not thinking about what they were saying... you can not simply say something if you are upset that threatens a school - High School, University, etc. in the US without facing major consequences.

Here is how the day started... (9:13am)


On Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, Frostburg State University learned of an Internet threat toward the campus. That threat is currently being investigated, and additional security measures have been taken. No incidents have occurred.



The campus is currently open as usual, but students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report any suspicious observations to University police at 301-687-4222 (emergency) or 301-687-4223 (non-emergency).


With this we were on "lock down" (school was still open, but office doors were locked so no one could come into our area without knocking and identifying themselves). Also, a swarm of police were all over campus.

The next notification came at 1:18 pm:


Frostburg State University officials continue to monitor the situation after learning of an Internet threat toward the University. No incident has occurred. Additional security measures are in place, including an increased police presence. University Police officers have been supplemented by officers from local, county and state jurisdictions. These agencies are also cooperating in the investigation, including assessing the credibility of the original threat.



FSU remains open, and University Police continue to encourage students, faculty and staff to report any suspicious observations to University Police at 301-687-4222 (emergency) or 301-687-4223 (non-emergency).


And finally at 4:03pm:


Law Enforcement, Frostburg State University Determine Threat is Not Credible


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.”


So basically one upset student who was not thinking before opening his mouth caused Four police agencies, the County Attorney General, our University Administration and Microsoft along with our IT department to spring into action and will possibly face criminal charges and will most likely be either dismissed from the University or at minimum suspended for a semester or year. All at once, I feel glad that all these agencies are working to protect us in an efficient manner and on the other hand, I wish people would just think before they say things in anger.

After the Columbine and Virginia Tech school shootings, any threat made in jest or not will have to go through this kind of operation. Since we are a small university of less than 6,000 students, and one that is in a very safe area, we are not used to anything like this happening. Maybe one to three students get in car accidents or have illnesses that result in a death each year, but I do not recall any due to a violent act in my ten plus years here. I hope this does not become a familiar thing! Ok, thanks for indulging my little rant! In about 45 minutes I will go present my portfolio for my photography class... I just needed to vent a little! :-) I hope everyone has/is having a great day! :-)

B.