The Uncovered Truth Behind FSU’s Bomb Threat

On Monday, April 24, 2023, Frostburg State University Police responded to a bomb threat on the university’s campus. A Burg Alert was issued at 6:12 pm and the Lane Center was quickly evacuated, followed by the Gira Center and Lewis J. Ort Library. FSU News put out a statement later that night at 9:22 pm which can be read below; 

FSU Campus Police received a notification of a possible bomb threat earlier this evening. Bomb detecting dogs were brought by the Maryland State Police and Maryland State Fire Marshal to ensure the safety of campus. An out-of-state suspect has been detained. We are thankful for the quick action of local public safety agencies and Campus Police.

The threat was posted on Yik Yak, a social media platform that allows users to post anonymously within a certain radius. In this case, the university campus, off-campus housing, and Edgewood Commons were included in the radius. An investigation was carried out by C3I, and a 20-year-old Frostburg State University student, Thomas C. Lenhart from Millersville, Maryland was arrested. Lenhart was charged with Threat of Mass Violence and posted bond for $2,500 after appearing in court Wednesday morning of April 26. He is scheduled for trial on May 26.

In an email sent out by FSU News to the university’s body, it included, “An out-of-state suspect has been detained.” later, the crime report from campus police mentioned, “A suspect has been identified in Alabama.” which aroused suspicion because the threat was made on Yik Yak and is only possible within the university’s radius. 

Below is the crime line report from campus police: 

04/24/2023 Bomb Threat –Officers were notified of a bomb threat that was received by the FBI and forwarded to FSUPD from MCAC.  The received threat was reported, to be posted in a Yik Yak Community Group.  Evacuation of the Lane Center was executed as well as CCIT and the Library due to close proximity. K-9 unit from MSP and the Office of the State Fire Marshall arrived on scene and conducted a scan of the outside of Lane Center, interior first and second floors with negative results for explosive devices.  The investigation is being handled by C3I.  A suspect has been identified in Alabama.

TBL reached out to FSUPD to confirm the source of the statement in the crime line that claimed a suspect was identified in Alabama. The Chief of FSUPD, Cynthia Smith responded;

“The post regarding the post was reported to the FBI by Yik Yak as a possible threat the FBI then reported it to us.” Also, Yik Yak provided a phone number through investigation belonging to an individual in Alabama and the initial information was that this phone was the source of the post. This morning they were later advised that the phone number was incorrect and not related to the post. The Yik Yak post was traced back to campus where a student was then identified. 

Chief Smith mentioned that initial information in public safety and law enforcement at times later prove incorrect.  

Lenhart is a part of the Student Government Association as Chief Justice, serving as Chief Arbitrator on decisions, opinions, and legislation of the organization. TBL reached out to the SGA advisor and a response is still pending.

Lenhart is facing disciplinary action by FSU and no comments have been made by FSU President, Ronald Nowaczyk.