Shooting threat directed at Western campus
Andrew Thomason
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: News
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"We received a call from the Macomb City Police Department … two of our officers went to the apartment (and) retrieved the letter from the complex," said Bob Fitzgerald, director of the Office of Public Safety, during a press conference.
School officials believe the note, which was handwritten according to Fitzgerald, was put in the box some time Tuesday night, but it was not retrieved and found until 8:30 the next morning. Fitzgerald said he did not want to release any details of the letter at the time.
"Cops were everywhere this morning," said Marissa Doerfler, psychology major and Campus Manor resident.
The Illinois State Police, McDonough County Sheriff's Department and MPD all sent extra security to campus after the discovery of the threat.
"A lot of police officers will be present on campus - foot patrols and in cars," Fitzgerald said. He added Western would continue to assess the situation and adjust the number of officers on campus accordingly.
All residence halls were on lock down Wednesday, as well as possibly other buildings depending on the situation. Students who live in the halls had to use their key to enter the building. Once inside, many students had to check in with their student ID cards and write their name and student ID number on a sheet of paper.
Western President Al Goldfarb said in addition to extra security at the halls, academic buildings would receive more attention.
"This is an off campus threat (but)…we take every threat seriously. There is no way to not take every threat seriously," he said.
Goldfarb said since Western had been notified of the threat, he and the vice presidents had been meeting every hour to discuss changes in the situation. Classes will remain in session; however, if students or faculty feel unsafe going to class they will not be penalized.
Jason Nevel contributed to this article.
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