Iowa State freshmen arrested for threats of terrorism to the campus

AMES – Two students have been arrested in connection with social media posts warning people to avoid campus buildings.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, Iowa State University Police received a report about an anonymous Yik Yak post, which referenced Carver Hall, an academic building on campus. The post contained a warning to “not come to Carver tomorrow at 4:30pm.” A second anonymous post was reported a few hours later, this time with a warning to avoid Parks Library. ISU Police, with assistance from the FBI and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, worked overnight Monday to identify and monitor the individuals responsible for the posts. Based on information gathered during the initial hours of the investigation, police determined it was not necessary to close the university and worked with building administrators to implement safety measures as a precaution.

Based on the fact that the posts contained a specific location, referenced a time and used the same language associated with other prior acts of violence, ISU Police investigators and the Story County Attorney determined there was probable cause to arrest and charge , 18, of Ames; and Ty Jerman, 19, of Ames, with threat of terrorism, which is defined by Iowa Code as an act intended to intimidate or coerce. Both students are freshmen at Iowa State.

There is no known connection between the two students and the posts were made separately.

While there is no indication that either student planned to enact violence against the campus community, actions of this nature are treated as a serious crime.