A 19-year-old student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., has been arrested in connection with a plan to carry out a campus shooting
John Hagins allegedly made threats against the university while speaking with two other students on Snapchat, reportsWKMG-TV News. Police say he sent messages about a desire to “enact a Columbine,” a reference to the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. He was arrested outside his Daytona Beach apartment carrying a backpack that contained a rifle and several rounds of ammunition.“By the grace of God, those two students came forward and thwarted that plan,” Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said.
Hagins faces charges of written threats to injure or kill, terrorism and attempted first-degree homicide.
After officers were notified of the threat, they surrounded Hagins’ apartment and arrested him when he emerged.
Inside a backpack he was carrying were a collapsible rifle and several rounds of ammunition. Hagins had recently sold his vehicle in order to buy the gun, authorities say.
Police said Hagins was planning to go to a gun range prior to heading to Embry-Riddle.
Investigators had not established a motive for Hagins' actions, but they said that Hagins was in danger of failing classes and had been cited for a traffic infraction while on campus this week.
Hagins is being held without bond.
Embry-Riddle released a statement following the arrest:
“The safety of our students, faculty, staff and community is our No. 1 priority. Earlier today, an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student was arrested and is being held in custody without bail. Our Campus Safety officers are working closely with the Daytona Beach Police Department. We are thankful to law enforcement officers, who moved swiftly and did exactly what they are trained to do to keep everyone safe.
"The university immediately notified the entire community of the police activity. A lockdown did not become necessary. The student was trespassed and suspended and cannot return to our campus. Out of an abundance of caution, increased security protocols will be maintained on campus. But again, the Embry-Riddle campus is secure. Unescorted reporters cannot come onto campus at this time.”
