OSU Steps Up Security And Bans Student Accused Of Posting Shooting Threat

A student was banned from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater after allegedly posting a deadly threat on social media. The freshman was arrested and has since been released on bond.

OSU increased its police presence in light of the threat, but some students said they still don't feel at ease.

4/22/2015 Related Story: OSU Student Arrested For Making Threats On Social Media

"When I first heard about it I was super scared because I know it's not that really common, but it's happened I didn't wanted to happen here, I think a lot of people are worried today, a lot of people are skipping class today, they say it's for the threat, but you never really know,” said sophomore Scott Ritchie.

A Friday filled with fear was what OSU freshman Kyron Birdine was accused of planning. Birdine allegedly made several threats last Sunday on the app called Yik Yak, where users can post instant messages anonymously.

One post said:

"School shooting on campus this Friday. You have all been warned."

Another post stated:

"Friday. Stay inside if you value your life. It will be a day of retribution."

"I was worried because the way that he worded it sounded like some sort of revolution or whatever, it was probably a joke, I was worried that he might not be alone, there might be others," Ritchie said.

"That's just something you shouldn't ever joke about, that's the safety of the people," said Femi Ishoa, junior in chemical engineering.

A student told police, who opened an investigation, which led the FBI later to track down 18-year-old Birdine, who was arrested on Tuesday for the terrorism hoax.

"We took it very seriously, we found felony charges, the university took it very seriously, we are very lucky that a student took this seriously enough to turn it over to the police department,” said Payne County District Attorney Laura Austin Thomas.

Birdine was released from the Payne County Jail on a $50,000 dollar bond. Thomas said she recommended a bond that was twice that amount, but the court denied it.

“When he got arrested, I wasn't that worried about it but now that he's out I'm kind of still hesitant, the day is not over,” Ritchie said.

To ensure safety, OSU beefed up security and said Birdine was banned from campus and was believed to be back home in Texas with family.

"I think we're fine. Worry about it, but don't worry about it. We're safe with the policemen around us," said Brooke Smith, sophomore in human resources.

Kyron Birdine will be banned from campus until a disciplinary hearing is held, which will determine if he is expelled.

Birdine is due back in court Monday afternoon.

Neither Birdine nor his attorney, Luke Alva Anthony were available for comment on Friday.