ASU PD works with local and Federal authorities to track online threat

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unsubstantiated threat traced to Canadian juvenile

Tempe, Ariz., November 3, 2015 - Arizona State University Police, in collaboration with local and federal authorities, traced an online threat posted over the weekend to a 12-year-old in Canada late Monday.  

Law enforcement officials determined through investigative work that the threat, which originated from the youth’s online conversations on a gaming website, was not credible. The incident caused disruption on the ASU campus and the use of considerable resources to track it down.

The juvenile has been contacted by Canadian authorities and apologized for his actions and the disruption they caused. Because this individual is a juvenile, his name will not be released and preliminary information was that no charges would be filed.

ASU PD was made aware of the threat on Sunday with one version mentioning ASU and another referencing only a university in Arizona. ASU PD, with the aid of federal and international law enforcement agencies, traced the threat to a gaming website.

ASU PD takes the safety of the ASU and surrounding communities very seriously. Had there been a substantiated threat to the ASU community, students, faculty and staff would have been given direction through the appropriate channels on what actions to take.

We strongly encourage everyone to continue to download the free ASU LiveSafe app at livesafe.asu.edu. This app allows users to send anonymous tips directly to ASU PD. We also encourage everyone to review our Safety Awareness Training videos, https://cfo.asu.edu/police-safety-training.

ASU PD reminds everyone: If You See Something, Say Something. Never be afraid to email or call ASU PD to report suspicious activity.

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