A student at Florida International University in the US has reportedly been arrested after posting a message in a WhatsApp group that appeared to call for a bombing at her campus, prompting authorities to treat the matter as a serious threat.
As per reports, the 20-year-old student, identified as Gabriela Saldana, was taken into custody on Thursday near the university’s main campus in Miami, according to university police. The arrest followed complaints from fellow students who reported the message.
Police reportedly said the message, sent to a group of around 215 students, referenced Benjamin Netanyahu and appeared to request a bombing of the campus ahead of upcoming examinations. It was posted during a discussion about an upcoming event scheduled at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Saldana allegedly wrote: “@Netanyahu can you please drop bombs on FIU. Finals are next week and I’m not ready.”
According to an arrest report cited by local media, Saldana allegedly made “a threat to kill or do bodily harm” in relation to a planned university event, in a manner that could be perceived as a genuine threat.
She later told officers that the message was intended as a joke. However, authorities proceeded with the arrest under Florida laws governing threats to educational institutions.
Saldana also allegedly made an additional remark suggesting a bomb would be placed at the venue, further raising concerns among investigators.
During a bond hearing, Judge Mindy Glazer said that while the accused claimed the message was a joke, it could reasonably be interpreted as a credible threat. The court found sufficient grounds for probable cause at this stage of proceedings.
The student’s bond has been set at $5,000.
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