A Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) student accused of threatening to carry out a mass school shooting has been released on bond. The student was arrested in early June after posting a tweet that said, “My life goal is to be [sic] carry out a school shooting and be famous or killed by the police.” After an investigation, the student was charged with making a false report or threat of a mass shooting. The case has raised concerns about safety and the role of social media in threats against educational institutions.
FGCU student accused of tweeting mass school shooting threat released on bond
A Florida Gulf Coast University student was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly posting a threat on social media, indicating that he planned to carry out a mass shooting on campus. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the 21-year-old student, Maverick Stow, posted the tweet, which read “It’s time for the GPAs to drop, gonna shoot up the school” on August 11.
Arrested and released on bond
After being notified of the threatening tweet, FGCU University Police immediately located Stow and placed him under arrest on charges of making a threat to conduct a mass shooting. The student was taken to the Lee County Jail and held on a $50,000 bond. However, he was released the following day after posting bond.
The aftermath
The incident has caused panic and unease among the students at FGCU, and many have expressed their concerns about the safety and security measures in place on campus. Some students are demanding stricter regulations around gun control and safety protocols at the university.
In a statement released by the university, FGCU President Mike Martin assured the students that the authorities would be taking all necessary measures to ensure their safety. He urged the students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The legal side of the case
According to legal experts, Stow’s tweet could be considered a “true threat,” which is defined in the United States as “a statement that a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence.” Under the law, making a true threat is a criminal offense and can be punishable by imprisonment.
However, Stow’s defense attorney, John Cavanaugh, argued that his client did not intend to cause harm and that the tweet was simply a bad joke. Cavanaugh also argued that Stow was not a threat to the community and should be released on bond.
Campus safety measures
In the aftermath of the incident, FGCU officials announced that they would be increasing security measures on campus. The university has planned to carry out active shooter drills and provide emergency response training to students, faculty, and staff.
They have also increased police presence on campus and introduced new safety protocols, such as mandatory check-ins for visitors and ID screenings at all entry points.
Final thoughts
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of gun violence and mass shootings in the United States. It has also raised questions about the safety measures in place at colleges and universities across the country.
While we cannot eliminate the possibility of such incidents, we can take steps to minimize the risks and ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff on campus. It is crucial that institutions of higher education have effective safety protocols in place and provide adequate resources for students who may be struggling with mental health issues.
As we move forward, it is essential that we work together to combat gun violence and create a safer environment for everyone. We must take proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring and ensure that students’ safety remains a top priority.
