Online threats heighten tensions at University of Missouri

Source: AP

By SUMMER BALLENTINE

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — University of Missouri police said Wednesday they have arrested a suspect accused of making online threats against black students and faculty, threats that added to racial tensions on campus that resulted in the departure of two senior university officials.

Police did not release a name but said the suspect was not on or near the university's Columbia campus when the threat was made. The suspect is in custody.

"We had additional officers on patrol last night and the campus remained safe," Major Brian Weimer said in a statement. "We investigated a number of reports and tips and take every one of them seriously."

The online posts discovered on the anonymous location-based messaging app YikYak and other social media Tuesday threatened to "shoot every black person I see."

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Members of Concerned Student 1950, University of Missouri's Graduate Professional Council, faculty and student supporters gather at Mel Carnahan Quadrangle to rally in support of an ongoing protest to get UM System President Tim Wolfe to resign on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Tensions have been rising throughout the week following MU student Jonathan Butler's decision to hold a hunger strike Monday, Nov. 1. In response to today's protest and the Missouri football athlete strike, President Wolfe did announce his decision to resign. (Matt Hellman/Missourian via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

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