Mississippi State University campus police detained a student Wednesday after an employee reported he threatened to blow up the university’s financial aid office, civil rights attorney Harry Daniels said. The student and his attorney deny the allegation, Daniels said.
Daniels identified the student as 21-year-old Zayden Leonard, a junior majoring in biological sciences. Leonard went to the financial aid office to resolve an issue and, while waiting for help, was approached by six campus police officers who handcuffed him and took him into custody, Daniels said.
Leonard was detained for less than an hour, Daniels said. 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, Daniels said, a conviction for that crime could result in up to 10 years in federal prison.
University spokesman Sid Salter said in an email that Leonard was not charged. Salter said the university has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and that when concerns involving potential threats are reported, it follows safety and reporting procedures. “The university cooperates with appropriate law enforcement authorities while also ensuring that students have access to applicable university resources and support services,” he said.
Daniels called the detention dangerous and unjustified. “People who weaponize law enforcement to show power should be held accountable for their actions,” he said, and added that Leonard and his family are “shell-shocked” and are considering legal action. MSU declined to provide additional details, citing ongoing legal and student disciplinary processes, Salter said. Campus law enforcement is directing questions about the incident and investigation to the university’s communications department, he added.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
