By: OLIVIA VARNSON
(Gainesville, Ga.) – Sorority members at the University of Alabama received a scare Sunday, Sept. 21, when a comment on a YouTube video surfaced.
The comment was made by an “Authur Pendragon,” a presumed alias, and described a “day of retribution,” where minorities would prevail over “those who think they are superior.” Many believe the threat is aimed towards sorority and fraternity members. The comment mentioned that the University’s Miss Sorority Row event on Sept. 20 as a time when “[the poster’s] mercy kept [them] alive” because they deemed it was not yet the “day of retribution,” and also that fraternity parties and events would be monitored.
Shortly thereafter, rumors of an armed gunman at Tutwiler Hall led to police involvement. Police patrolled the perimeter of Tutwiler Hall as well as the sidewalks along Sorority Row and Magnolia Drive. During their search of the area, police put Tutwiler Hall on lockdown and instructed sorority members to remove Greek lettering and signage from their doors. Police did not find any gunmen or weapons.
Throughout the initial investigation, students and parents alike were confused and unable to find a reliable source. Many were surprised they did not receive a notice from the University. Most students were only able to gather information through social media, where it is difficult to separate fact from fabrication. Perhaps authorities had the same problem and did not wish to make a statement before they could verify the facts.
The University released its first statement around midnight on Sunday, ending the lockdown in Tutwiler. Then on Monday, Sept. 22, UA President Judy Bonner emailed a statement confirming that the reports of armed individuals were unfounded and that the students were never in danger. Later that day, UA Chief of Police Tim Summerlin informed the press that police are going to continue investigating the original message and consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This graphic from the Crimson White details the events following the death threat:
Photo Courtesy: The Crimson White, Belle Newby
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