TORONTO – Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont. is yet again on high alert after police were notified Thursday of a Snapchat post threatening the school’s science building.
Waterloo Regional Police contacted the university Thursday evening after an image of a man holding what investigators have determined to be a replica weapon appeared on the popular social networking app Snapchat.
“A caption referenced ‘the science building,’ and a number of related Snapchat images suggested that the individual making the post was familiar with Laurier’s Waterloo campus,” said police in a media release.
The university’s Special Constable Services was alerted and a security sweep was conducted throughout the building Thursday night, but no danger was found.
Although police said the investigation into the Snapchat post is ongoing, authorities have determined that there is no immediate threat to students and faculty at Laurier.
The investigation into the source of the alleged threat comes just one week after a London, England man was arrested for allegedly making a menacing post on an internet forum that forced the university into lockdown last Friday.
While the school remains open Friday, police said security has been stepped up on campus with additional officers patrolling the area.
“It is unfortunate we have individuals in this community who appear to delight in attempts to intimidate others around them,” said Waterloo Reginal Police Service Chief Bryan Larkin in a media release.
“Know that the Waterloo Regional Police are working diligently to identify the person(s) responsible for this post and lay charges as warranted. The safety of our academic institutions is of paramount importance to our police service.”
Daniel Ransem, 22, was charged with malicious communications in the online threat last Friday and told media the post was meant as a joke.
The accused has since been released on bail and is due back in court in January.
VIDEO: A lockdown of Wilfrid Laurier University was announced early Friday but was lifted before lunch time. Lama Nicolas reports.
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