Mississippi State University campus police detained a student Wednesday after an employee reported that he had threatened to blow up the financial aid office, an allegation the student and his attorney deny.
Zayden Leonard, 21, a junior majoring in biological sciences, was trying to resolve an issue with his financial aid.
He went to the university’s financial aid office to get his questions answered in person, and while waiting for help, six campus police officers approached him, handcuffed him and took him into custody, said civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, who is representing Leonard.
Campus police detained Leonard for less than an hour, and officers later told him an employee in the financial aid office had reported that he threatened to blow up the office, Daniels said. If true, conviction for that crime could result in up to 10 years in federal prison.
Leonard was not charged, university spokesman Sid Salter said in an email.
The university has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors, Salter said. When concerns are reported involving potential threats to campus personnel or operations, the university follows safety and reporting procedures, he said.
“The university cooperates with appropriate law enforcement authorities while also ensuring that students have access to applicable university resources and support services,” Salter said.
Daniels said the incident was dangerous and unjustified.
“People who weaponize law enforcement to show power should be held accountable for their actions,” Daniels said. “The situation could have ended up deadly.”
Daniels said Leonard and his family are “shell-shocked” and considering legal action.
MSU declined to provide additional details, citing ongoing legal and student disciplinary processes. Salter reiterated that Leonard has not been charged. Campus law enforcement said it is directing questions about the incident and investigation to the university’s communications department.
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