Houghton, Michigan police arrested a Michigan Technological University student Thursday evening after someone posted a threat toward African-Americans on a phone app that publishes messages anonymously. The suspect was released on bond Friday from Houghton County Jail after being charged with disturbing the peace.
While monitoring the Yik Yak app feed as usual, the MTU Department of Public Safety and Police Services spotted the threat that read, “Going to kill all black people.” After seeing the message around 2 p.m. Thursday, the department immediately notified police and emailed a safety alert to all Michigan Tech students, staff, and faculty, MTU spokeswoman Jennifer Donovan told Red Alert Politics. The student was placed in police custody within 10 hours of the posting later that evening.
“It’s important to remember that we are a community and will not tolerate threats to any member of our family,” MTU President Glenn Mroz said in a statement Thursday evening. “It’s time we watch out for one another.”
Mroz announced Friday the university issued an interim suspension to the student and a ban from campus.
Using the assistance of Yik Yak and information provided from those in the campus community, police were able to identify the suspect.
Yik Yak is a popular phone application on college and university campuses. It allows individuals to anonymously publish messages and view them within a specific geographical area.
As a result of the incidents this past week and threats also posted on the app at Missouri University, Yik Yak posted on its blog that it condemns such use of the application.
“Yik Yak cooperates with law enforcement and works alongside local authorities to help with investigations,” Yik Yak spokeswoman Hilary McQuaide said in an email. “We may provide information without a subpoena, warrant or court order when a post poses a risk of imminent harm.”
Administration increased law enforcement present on campus Thursday as a result of the post, and the school has held counseling sessions for students interested.
The suspect’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday.
