Michigan State University's Department of Police and Public Safety has confirmed that a "vague and nonspecific threat" sent across Michigan yesterday night, May 22, is not credible.
The threat, which was first reported by the Lansing State Journal, threatened "mass casualties" unless a $100 billion ransom is paid today, May 23, by MSU, Ford Motor Company and the University of Michigan. It made a reference to the Feb. 13, 2023 campus shooting at MSU that killed three students and wounded five, but listed the date wrong.
"You will pay the sum of $100 Billion Dollars by 5/23/2024 in ransom, or face another hired assassin for exponential losses and mass casualties that pales in comparison to February 14, 2023," the email said, according to the Lansing State Journal.
MSUPD immediately opened a criminal investigation into the threat and detectives are following up on possible leads, spokesperson Dana Whyte said.
"We have identified a probable suspect and have confirmed the threat is not credible and originated from out-of-state," Whyte told The State News in a text message. "There is no credible threat to our community. The safety and security of our campus is our top priority."
The threat was emailed to personnel at MSU, Ford Motor Company and the Lansing State Journal. It demanded money from MSU, Ford and the University of Michigan, the Lansing State Journal reported.
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