UPDATE November 16, 12:50 p.m.: Lt. Col. Kerry Hatchett sent an email to all faculty and staff offering additional information on the arrest of Ryan Ashford. 

Ashford has been placed on interim suspension from WKU, prior to a judicial conference, Hatchett said in the email. Hatchett said WKU Student Affairs will handle the student disciplinary process. Additionally, Ashford faces misdemeanor charges in the court system and will be subject to prosecution. 

“The student is not allowed to return to campus or participate in classes at this time,” the email reads. 

According to an email press release sent to all WKU students by Capt. Dominic Ossello, the WKU police department arrested 22-year-old Ryan Ashford of Fallon, Illinois on Thursday. Ashford was charged with third degree terroristic threatening, which is a felony.

WKU Police were alerted by a student to the threat made on social media. According to the press release, an investigation found the post came from a telephone registered to Ashford’s name. The press release did not indicate which social network the post was found on.

Ashford was booked and lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail. According to the jail website, Ashford was released Friday, Nov. 13 on $1,000 bond.

In an email to faculty and staff on Monday, President Gary Ransdell commended the WKU Police department for their quick and effective action.

“The most important part of this situation is that a student rightfully alerted our Police to the social media post, and they acted quickly to ensure safety for the campus,” Ransdell said in the email.  “All faculty, staff, and students must be diligent in reporting anything that appears threatening or unsettling to our campus safety and tranquility.” 

The Herald will update this story was more information becomes available.