Teenage student faces 10-yr jail term for making fake terrorism threat

Samson Kukogho 15:33 - 22 April 2015

Kyron Birdine was arrested for making a fake terror threat

Kyron Birdine was arrested by the Oklahoma State Police Department on Tuesday and charged with making a terrorism hoax, a felony charge which carries up to 10 year jail term.

Police have arrested an 18-year-old student of the Oklahoma State University (OSU), Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA, who made ‘threats of mass violence’ on social media at the weekend.

Kyron Birdine was arrested by the Oklahoma State Police Department on Tuesday and charged with making a terrorism hoax, a felony charge which carries up to 10 year jail term.

Police say Birdine wrote about executing a school shooting on a social media app, Yik Yak, t 4:55 p.m. on Sunday.

“School shooting on campus this Friday. You have been warned,” Birdine allegedly posted.

About 10 minutes later, he wrote: “Friday. Stay inside if you value your life. It will be a day of retribution.”

A fellow student who saw the post reported to the police.

OSU police chief, Mike Robinson, said a joint effort with the FBI, the cell phone provider and Yik Yak led to Birdine's arrest.

“We appreciate the assistance of the FBI, Yik Yak and the cellphone provider in helping us quickly identify the suspect,” Robinson said.

“We also appreciate the student who notified OSU police immediately about the post.

"Even though users of the service have anonymity, Yik Yak will use its resources to help identify a user when contacted by law enforcement about a criminal act or threat.”