In a shift from usual campus activities, The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law conducted its final week of classes and exams remotely last spring. The college chose this course of action following allegations of potential threats made against the institution by one of its students.
The details initially disclosed to students and faculty regarding the threats were limited. However, subsequent investigations uncovered some alarming insights. The state’s report, as recounted by 13 News , brought to light some worrying behaviors and messages emanating from a student. The student, known to carry a 9MM handgun on campus, according to the law school records, appeared to be in a state of crisis.
The report quoted her friends describing her behavior as being ‘odd’ and stating, “I’m going to shoot people.” Alongside these verbal declarations, social media posts from the student further raised alarm, indicating the student’s readiness to employ her 9mm handgun and expressing the fears of becoming a mass shooting victim.
In the following days, the student was admitted to a hospital for mental health-related issues, and her friends managed to secure her gun and give it to the police.
Further investigations into the student’s phone led to the discovery of disturbing text messages related to ‘killing people on the UA campus’, as well as search histories revolving around mass shootings, local shooting ranges, the Michigan State shooting, and ways to improve shooting accuracy.
As of now, the student has been prohibited from the Arizona Law campus and all its associated activities. The gun remains in the law enforcement’s custody, and she has been prohibited from future gun purchases following her flagging in the Federal NICS database this summer.
The interim chief public safety officer of Arizona Law issued a lengthy communication to students last Friday. Describing the episode as a ‘mental health-related case rather than a criminal matter’, the officer indicated that all necessary steps were taken to ensure the safety of the College’s students, faculty, staff, and leadership during the uncertain time.
At present, the law school faces no threats, and the student remains under the stringent monitoring of relevant legal authorities.