UPDATE 2 – FBI Statement
Oct. 3, 2021, at 6:50 p.m. — The FBI provided an update on the joint investigation into the posts online threatening violence against women on the University of Michigan campus.
As the FBI indicated, which is also consistent with our threat assessment, there is no current nor pending threat to the community from the individual responsible for the post. During the interview, agents assessed the individual had neither the means nor the opportunity to carry out the threat.
“DPSS is confident that any threat from the post has been addressed and mitigated. In collaboration with our partners, we have conducted an assessment of the individual who made the post,” said Eddie L. Washington, Jr., U-M DPSS Executive Director.
Threat assessment includes accounting for all information available and the totality of the circumstances such as evaluating an individual’s means, opportunities, and influence to cause harm.
“We appreciate our partners in the FBI and state and local agencies who responded quickly to the post, and DPSS will continue to have safety measures in place to protect the U-M community,” he said.
We have no additional information to provide at this time.
As always, DPSS will continue to have a visible presence on campus.
We understand that this threat was very frightening and upsetting to people. U-M students can seek the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) services, and the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) is available for faculty and staff or Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience for Michigan Medicine faculty and staff.
DPSS takes all threats brought to our attention seriously and will thoroughly investigate. Anyone with information on this threat or any other safety concern can contact us at 734-763-1131 or dpss-safety-security@umich.edu.
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UPDATE 1 — Oct. 2, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.
The University of Michigan Police Department, with the assistance of the FBI, has identified an out-of-state residence from which the threat was posted. FBI agents interviewed a resident of the home, who they assessed to be responsible for the message.
Based on the investigation, there is nothing to indicate imminent harm to our community.
We value our partnership with our community and appreciate those who stepped forward to report this information. We also appreciate the timely and effective response of our law enforcement partners.
We all play a role in ensuring community safety. As always, if you see something that shouldn’t be there or someone’s behavior doesn’t seem quite right – say something, please dial 911 or contact DPSS at 734-763-1131 or dpss-safety-security@umich.edu.
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Oct. 2, 2021, at 12:45 p.m. — The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security has been notified of a message posted on a Russian-operated confessions website indicating an intent to carry out an active shooter incident targeting females on the U-M campus on October 4, 2021. The post has been removed.
The safety and security of our community is our highest priority. The U-M Police Department is collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate this post.
Out of an abundance of caution and to assist those with concerns, DPSS will be providing additional staffing and taking other risk mitigation steps.
We value our partnership with our community and appreciate those who stepped forward to report this information. We all play a role in ensuring community safety. If you see something that shouldn’t be there or someone’s behavior doesn’t seem quite right – say something.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact DPSS at 734-763-1131 or at dpss-safety-security@umich.edu.