Western Courier

Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa

Media Credit: Art Self III

At approximately 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, employees at the Campus Manor apartment complex at Charles and Elting streets discovered a note threatening a shooting at Western Illinois University, according to several sources.

"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 10:30 a.m. press conference.

School officials believe the note, which was handwritten according to Fitzgerald, was put in the box some time Tuesday night. The note was not found until 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. 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.

While a larger than normal police presence will remain on campus Thursday, all classes and other events will be held as scheduled.

All residence halls were on lock down Wednesday and will continue to be Thursday. Students who live in the halls must use their key to gain acess the building.

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.

Classes remained in session Wednesday, however, if students or faculty felt unsafe going to class they would not be penalized.

Crimestoppers has offered an award for any information linked to the threat that leads to an arrest. Both Goldfarb and his wife, Elaine, and Campus Apartments, the managing company of Campus Manor, each donated an additional $1,000 to the Crimestoppers fund.

Jason Nevel contributed to this article.

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