Alexander Song, who was placed in psychiatric care after threatening “a shooting rampage” on the campus last month, was arrested and charged yesterday after being released from medical care, University Police said.
Song, a 19-year-old Oakland Hall resident, was charged with disturbing the orderly conduct of the activities, administration or classes; misuse of electronic mail; false statement; false statement to a public official; misuse of telephone facilities and equipment; and disturbing the peace by the Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County,according to University Police spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky.
Each charge is a misdemeanor and could vary in length of incarceration and fines, Limansky added.
On March 10, Song allegedly posted the following messages on Reddit.com and Omegle.com: “I will be on a shooting rampage tomorrow on campus,” “stay away from the Mall tomorrow at 1:30” and “hopefully I kill enough people to make it to national news,” according to police. He was taken into custody the following day and has been in a psychiatric hospital until yesterday.
The Fulton native was taken to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections after his release from the hospital. He then had a hearing in the district court, Limansky said. Song was released on personal recognizance a few hours later, meaning the judge determined Song was not a flight risk and did not require jail time.
“Given the nature of the threats he made, I respect the decisions of the court but would have liked to have seen him held on bond to keep him in jail longer,” Limansky said.
According to court documents, Song’s trial is set for April 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Upper Marlboro.
John Erzen of the Prince George’s County State’s Department said Song was released under four conditions: He has to pass a mental health evaluation; he is not allowed to go anywhere outside of his home or the doctor’s office; he can’t be in possession of any weapons; and he cannot set foot on the campus.
“We strongly opposed and objected, for the record, the judge’s decision,” Erzen said. “We wanted him to be held.”
According to court documents, Song’s trial is set for April 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Upper Marlboro.
Song was also issued an indefinite denial of access to the university, Limansky said. If Song violates that denial, he is subject to arrest, Limansky added. Song could be readmitted as a student depending on the outcome of his trial.
“If he’s readmitted as a student then that denial would be lifted, but that’s a ways away, I think,” Limansky said.
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