Dear Campus Community,
Yesterday afternoon our Fresno State Police Department investigated a serious campus threat made on Yik Yak, an anonymous social media site. As campus safety is our prime concern, the Police team, members of the Cabinet and I closely monitored the situation and worked together to make decisions throughout the afternoon. Our team had a plan ready to support a campus closure. As soon as we were alerted that the suspect was in custody and assured that he acted alone, we notified the campus that classes would continue. Then, to reassure the University community we increased the police presence on the campus.
We are thankful that this situation did not escalate and we appreciate all who provided information that assisted the campus police and other law enforcement. Chief David Huerta and his officers moved quickly and effectively to identify and arrest a suspect within two hours. The suspect, a student, was booked in the Fresno County Jail on a charge of making a terrorist threat.
Throughout the afternoon, several communications were issued to students, faculty and staff via email, text and social media providing updated information. Repeated messages were issued to keep the campus community informed, and a review will be undertaken to determine how we can enhance our efforts.
Since text messaging has emerged as a primary communication tool, we now use Bulldog Alert for emergency communications. To receive emergency text alerts, I am asking each of you to make sure your cell phone number is current and is listed under the “mobile” category in your MyFresnoState portal under personal information.
We invite students to access our counseling services at the Student Health and Counseling Center. To speak to a counselor, call 278.2734. Faculty and staff who seek counseling may contact David Crabtree, our Empathia counselor for employee assistance services, at 559.960.1129 or dcrabtree@csufresno.edu. These services are available to support you.
Our campus community is stronger and safer when we all work together and care for each other. I urge everyone to boldly continue working in this spirit today and every day.
Sincerely,
Joseph I. Castro, Ph.D., M.P.P.
President
For updates: bit.ly/FSN-SocialMediaThreatUPDATES
