Halloween Threat Update

From: Interim Police Chief Jeff Christensen [mailto:jchriste@illinois.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9:15 AM
To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff & All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students
Subject: Threatening Note

As the Halloween weekend approaches, I write to update you on the investigation of a threatening note recently found in the Library. The task force established to investigate this threat continues to work toward identifying the author and assessing the credibility of the note. Despite our efforts, we have no information to lead us to believe the threat is any more or less credible than we did when it was first discovered.

The note stated that on Oct. 3, the note’s author had damaged a vehicle window at the Savoy 16 Theaters at 232 W. Burwash Ave., Savoy. The note threatened that on Halloween night (Oct. 31), the suspect intends to shoot a person on Green Street.

More specifically, the note stated that “On Oct. 3rd 2008 I Used a Ruger 22. caliber rifle to take shot at a black sedan in parking lot of Savoy Theatre.” The note further stated that “On Halloween Night 2008″ another shot will be taken “on Green Street in the night life district.”

We are asking the campus community again for your help in identifying the person who left the note. If you have any information regarding who may have written the note or damaged the vehicle in Savoy, contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216, or you may anonymously contact Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477, by submitting anonymous tips online at www.373tips.com or by texting Tip397 plus the relevant information to 274637 (CRIMES).

Contrary to rumors circulating on campus, this is the ONLY threat we have received.

Although this note may be some sort of hoax or prank, we are taking it extremely seriously. It is also understandable that this threat is causing much concern for students, parents and the university community. We remain hopeful that the author of the note will come forward or can be identified prior to Halloween to relieve these concerns.

A separate task force has been planning police operations on Halloween.
Additional police resources, assets, strategies and tactics will be deployed as needed throughout the campus district.

People have asked whether they should avoid Green Street on Halloween night. Some may choose to not be present where the threat was focused, but no matter where you are, we advise you to always be aware of your surroundings and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.

If you are celebrating Halloween by wearing a costume, you absolutely should NOT carry any type of replica, toy or fake weapon.

We encourage you to sign up for the UI Emergency Notification System at emergency.illinois.edu.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Interim Police Chief Jeff Christensen

This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor