Alexander Song
Our thanks go to to the University of Maryland Police for averting a major disaster, which may have put the lives of many students in danger.
The University of Maryland Department of Public Safety is saying that that an individual posted comments of a threatening nature on the internet. The person posting the comments stated he had thoughts of committing an act of violence at the UMCP campus on Sunday, March 11, 2012.
The quote on the website(s) were “I will be on a shooting rampage tomorrow on campus”, “hopefully I kill enough people to make it to national news”, and “stay away from the Mall tomorrow at 1:30”.
University Police detectives researched the postings and obtained information leading to the identity of the person who wrote them. Investigators have cause to believe that Mr. Alexander Song, 19, of Fulton, MD, a current student at UMCP, posted the comments.
Detectives apprehended Mr. Song and determined that an emergency psychiatric evaluation was necessary. Accordingly, Mr. Song was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. Mr. Song was unarmed at the time of the arrest.
A warrant has been obtained charging Mr. Song, pictured, with a violation of Section 26-101 of Education Article. Song has been specifically charged with disturbing the orderly conduct of the activities, administration or classes of UMCP. This is a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine not to exceed $2500.00 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months in jail.
University Police detectives and patrol officers worked through the night to identify and apprehend Mr. Song. This incident was taken extremely seriously by this agency and all efforts were put forth to bring it to a speedy and safe resolution.
“I thank our troops for preventing these threats from being carried out” – Chief David B. Mitchell.
The University administration moved to immediately suspend Song’s student status at UMCP. He is no longer permitted on campus pending a review.
[Source: UMPDS at www.umdps.umd.edu]