WASHINGTON JEFFERSON COLLEGE THREAT: Threat made against Washington & Jefferson College on anonymous messaging app

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Washing & Jefferson College in Washington has an increased police presence after a threat was made from an online anonymous messaging app.

The threat came Tuesday night on the app YikYak, an app used by college students who can message and anonymously.

Police from Washington, East Washington, South Strabane and State Police were on campus today.

The anonymous threat asked, “How many people you think I can kill if I shoot the joint up?” And an anonymous response saying, 30-50.

W&J administrators told students, in part, “Be assured that W&J leadership and Campus and Public Safety are taking this threat seriously. We are aggressively investigating the post, including specifically the identity of the individual who posted the threat on YikYak.

YikYak has received a Magistrate-approved warrant to submit information on the individual and we are exercising our internal systems to uncover this person’s identity as well. We will take action immediately when the perpetrator is known.”

By Wednesday evening, Washing & Jefferson College officials told students that the person posting the threatening remarks had been identified.

“This individual already has a binding agreement with W&J not to be on campus; all evidence we have gathered indicates that he is not on campus and points to him being several hours away,” a letter to students said.

Before the person was identified, campus officials said classes were not mandatory throughout the week. Now they say in-person activities resume on Thursday and students are expected to attend class.

YikYak is promoted as an app to anonymously connect with everyone at your college.

11 Investigates looked into the level of anonymity and learned the app makers work closely with law enforcement, accepting requests for user information, including phone numbers.

They allow for emergency requests for user information if they believe it may prevent death or physical harm, citing school shootings.

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