Lee University investigates threat made via popular social media app

Cleveland, TN (WDEF) – Lee University Students, in Cleveland, say they aren’t too worried, after campus security was tipped off by a student last week about the possibility of a future active shooter situation.

"It was very general, and anonymous, and we spent the last few days trying to ascertain the level of threat," said Mike Hayes, VP for Student Development.

The threat was posted on Yik Yak, a social media app for smartphones, which allows users to anonymously send and respond to posts within five-miles of wherever they are. Students say the app didn’t become popular until last year, and it’s not always used in the best way.

"There’s a lot of negativity on there," said junior, Michael Newbert, "People seem to be pretty cynical. It’s anonymous so when you give people anonymous ways to say stuff publicly they tend to be a little bit negative sometimes."

"I think the idea was kind of cool at first, but it just kind of became a platform for people to say things that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face," said junior, Grayson Sutherlend.

Of course Lee University officials are taking last week’s threat very seriously, "We spent the weekend trying to identify the level of threat, and also the specificity that actually wasn’t in the Yak," said Hayes, "So over the weekend we were in contact with Cleveland Police Department, and the FBI, to make sure we were responding appropriately."

"I feel fine," said senior Indyasia Johnson, "I’ve never seen so many police officers in one location at the same time. There have been so many men walking around just looking super official. Like, I haven’t felt like my safety is at risk at all."

University President, Paul Conn, released a statement this afternoon saying they will continue to work with the Cleveland Police Department, and the FBI to trace the source of the post. But until then, the campus will remain open.