As members of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus met with student activists at a closed meeting Monday morning, an anonymous caller phoned in a threat to MU’s Oldham Black Culture Center.
“There was a call made to the Black Culture Center today a little before noon,” MU Police Maj. Brian Weimer told the Columbia Missourian. “It was perceived as threatening, and we’re looking into it.”
As the day progressed, however, the threats turned to social media. Although their source and credibility were questionable, their ugliness was not, and they stoked fears of a school shooting and drove students — particularly minorities — from campus dorms.
“I’m going to stand my ground tomorrow and shoot every black person I see,” read one post on the anonymous message app Yik Yak.
“Some of you are alright,” began another post. “Don’t go to campus tomorrow.”
“We’re waiting for you at the parking lots,” read a third anonymous post. “We will kill you.”
On Wednesday morning, campus police said an arrest had been made.