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4 Feb Followup: The suspect/student purchased a gun and had started the required 3-day waiting period the morning of his arrest 😯:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/eckerd-college-student-who-threatened-on-campus-violence-recently-purchased-gun-police-say

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5 Feb Followup

Dear Eckerd Community,

We appreciate and understand the concerns you have expressed about the incident that occurred Thursday afternoon at Iota. We aim to keep you informed, provide you with resources, and partner with you to keep our community safer. 

We have learned that Eli Altman Johnson, who has been charged with written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism, has posted bond. At this time, we do not know when he may be released.  

The St. Petersburg Police Department describes Johnson as a 5-foot-11, 200-pound, white male with blond hair, brown eyes and a butterfly tattoo on the right side of his neck [photo attached]. Johnson allegedly made threats against a person off campus and also issued threats to commit an act of violence on campus. 

Johnson’s access to campus is revoked. St. Petersburg Police off-duty officers will supplement our security staff, and Campus Safety will begin immediately to conduct enhanced ID checks at the front gate. All faculty, staff and students should be prepared to show ID when they enter campus until further notice.  

If the College becomes aware of an immediate threat, an emergency alert will be issued via the emergency notification system. Those with information about this case are asked to contact Campus Safety at ********** or use the anonymous tip line form [link provided].

We are here for our students who need support. An email detailing student support services [and contact information] was distributed earlier today.

If you are concerned about a fellow student, please refer them to Outreach Services.

We will keep you informed. 

Operations & Emergency Management

Eckerd College

St. Petersburg, FL 33711

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