MSU Student Arrested for Online Threats of Violence

News Summary

An 18-year-old MSU student, Hope Duncan, was arrested for making online threats of violence against Michigan State University. The threats, posted anonymously, warned of a potential shooting on campus, leading to serious legal consequences. Law enforcement acted quickly upon receiving tips from the community. Duncan faces felony charges and has a bond set at $20,000. This incident comes shortly before the second anniversary of a tragic shooting on campus, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and the impact of online threats.

East Lansing: MSU Student Arrested for Threatening Online Violence

In a surprising turn of events, an 18-year-old woman was arrested in East Lansing after making some pretty serious threats directed towards Michigan State University (MSU). The suspect, identified as Hope Duncan, is a student at MSU hailing from Eastpointe, Michigan. It all unfolded when MSU Police and Public Safety received an alarming tip about anonymous online threats posted on February 26, 2025, around 2 p.m.

A Disturbing Message

The online message attributed to Duncan was particularly unsettling. It included a declaration that another shooting on campus was imminent, stating boldly that “there’s going to be another shooting at Michigan State.” The post went on to express a disturbing sense of satisfaction, suggesting that the university “definitely deserves it” and that “everyone here should die.” Those are some heavy words that understandably raised a lot of concerns among students, faculty, and local residents.

Swift Action by Police

Just an hour after the tip came in, law enforcement quickly swung into action. Duncan was located and arrested shortly before 3 p.m. in the 800 block of Chestnut Road, right in East Lansing. The police acted fast—probably faster than most of us can grab a coffee on a busy morning!

Facing Serious Charges

Duncan is now facing some serious legal trouble. She has been charged with two felony offenses: false report or threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a crime. If found guilty, she could be looking at a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. That’s a hefty consequence for what’s being described as a reckless and dangerous act.

What Happens Next?

Duncan’s bond has been set at $20,000, which means she’ll need to cough up that cash if she hopes to get out before her next court appearance. She is scheduled to visit a judge on March 14 for a preliminary hearing—definitely a date to watch! In the meantime, the police have assured the MSU community that, as of now, there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

A Grateful Community

This incident hit home particularly hard as it comes just shy of two weeks after the second anniversary of a tragic shooting that occurred on campus back in 2023. That event claimed three lives and left many others injured, making the community understandably on edge. In light of this recent threat, local authorities expressed their gratitude for the vigilance displayed by the community, as many residents stepped forward with tips that helped in this situation.

A Shift in Legal Landscape

Interestingly, this arrest occurs during a period when the Michigan Attorney General is working to restore a law previously struck down by a panel ruling in January 2025. This law would allow for charges related to making terrorist threats. The efforts to amend or reinstate such regulations indicate how seriously society is beginning to take online threats and the ramifications they can have.

As the story develops, the East Lansing community—and of course, the entire MSU family—watches closely to understand the implications of this incident and how it all plays out in court. For now, it’s a reminder of the serious consequences that can follow a moment of reckless behavior online.

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Additional Resources

• MLive
• Detroit News
• Fox 2 Detroit
• WZZM 13
• Wikipedia: Threats of violence
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Terrorism