A Kent State University student has been arrested after campus police say he Tweeted a threat last week promising to blow up the campus “ASAP.”
William Koberna, 19, was arrested Sunday night at his parents’ Brunswick home on charges of inducing panic and aggravated menacing. He was being held in the Portage County Jail pending an arraignment today.
University officials monitoring Twitter last week noticed the profanity-laced message and contacted police. Some of the tweet directed profanity at KSU President Lester Lefton and ended with the words “I’m shooting up your school ASAP.”
Aside from the criminal charges, Koberna could be disciplined by the university, including a suspension or dismissal.
Authorities did not reveal a potential motive for the tweet, which has since been removed.
“Any threat to our campus community is taken seriously and immediately investigated,” Lefton said.
“Our students, employees, and all those who come to campus should know that their safety is our top priority.” KSU spokesman Eric Mansfield said a search of the student’s home did not uncover any weapons nor did it appear that Koberna had access to any weapons.
Mansfield added, however, that threats of any type are thoroughly investigated, especially in light of past mass shootings such as those in Chardon, Aurora, Colo., and Virginia Tech.
He said even the venting of frustration is taken seriously.
“We’re not playing,” he said.
Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com
