UPD makes arrest for threatening remark in social media

BUFFALO, N.Y. – University at Buffalo Police arrested a student today for making a threatening post on social media directed at people participating in an on-campus march this afternoon organized by the UB chapter of the Jewish Student Union.

The 18-year-old student turned himself in after being identified by University Police investigators and was charged with attempting to make a terrorist threat, a class E felony, and attempting to make a threat of mass harm, a class B misdemeanor. He was released and issued an appearance ticket for Amherst Town Court.

Students who violate UB’s Student Code of Conduct are also subject to UB’s on-campus judicial process. Generally speaking, if a student’s action violates the code of conduct, the student may be subject to a variety of sanctions.

UB Vice President for Student Life Brian Hamluk thanked University Police for its quick work investigating the threat and making an arrest. 

“The university will immediately respond whenever threatening, harassing or discriminatory acts are committed against a member of our community,” Hamluk said. “UB states in the strongest possible manner that we condemn and stand firmly against antisemitism, Islamophobia and discrimination of any form.”

Any individual who experiences a threat of physical harm or confrontation should contact University Police immediately at 716-645-2222.

Members of the university community are encouraged to immediately report incidents of bias-related harassment.

For students, bias-related incidents regarding intolerant behaviors based on a person’s race, national origin, sexual orientation or other protected factor may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

For employees, bias-related incidents should be reported to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

UB Police are withholding the name of the individual arrested out of concern that identifying the individual publicly could endanger their safety. New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) allows information to be withheld by agencies that “if disclosed could endanger the life or safety of any person.”