Social media threat to U-M community

Update at 6 p.m. Oct. 3, 2021

In an email message to the Ann Arbor campus community, President Mark Schlissel and Provost Susan M. Collins write to provide additional updates and information “on the misogynistic and bigoted shooting threat posted on a Russian-operated confessions website.

“What we know today from the FBI is that the threat has been mitigated, and there is no current or pending threat based on the post. The FBI has reported that the post originated on the East Coast. Based on the reassuring information from the FBI, classes and activities will continue as scheduled Monday.”

Read the full message here. 

Read the DPSS update here.

Update at 4:37 p.m., Oct. 2

The University of Michigan Police Department, with the assistance of the FBI, has identified an out-of-state residence from which the threat was posted. FBI agents interviewed a resident of the home, who they assessed to be responsible for the message. Based on the investigation, there is nothing to indicate imminent harm to our community at this time. Given there is no imminent threat to our community, we plan to continue on-campus activities on Monday.

Read the full DPSS update here.

Oct. 2, 4:15 p.m.

To the Ann Arbor Campus Community:

Earlier today our Division of Public Safety and Security shared information about a message posted on a Russian-operated confessions website indicating an intent to carry out an active shooter incident targeting females on the U-M campus on Oct. 4, 2021. The post has since been removed.

DPSS is coordinating an investigation with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Updates will posted here on the DPSS website.

This information is upsetting and frightening, even as we await further information from law enforcement.

We also know many of you are considering your options for being on campus Monday. While it remains too soon to recommend a specific course of action or make a decision about Monday classes, we want you to know DPSS is doing everything in its power to assess this social media threat and we ask for your patience while that work moves ahead quickly.

We will share updates throughout this investigation on the DPSS website and through our official social media channels.

Anyone with information to share or specific questions related to the post should contact DPSS at 734-763-1131 or dpss-safety-security@umich.edu.

Mark Schlissel
President

Susan M. Collins
Provost