A Campbell University student was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he threatened to commit an act of mass violence on its main campus in Buies Creek.
A warrant for the arrest of Gabriel Sharlow says he threatened to get a shotgun, approximately 100 rounds of ammunition and several explosive devices (Molotov cocktails). It said his plan was to wound and kill anyone present except himself.
A release from the university said several people in the community reported hearing “some concerning statements” and alerted campus officials. Law enforcement determined the threat was credible and took immediate action to arrest Sharlow.
“The person who allegedly communicated these statements was a student, Gabriel Sharlow. Once a credible threat was identified, law enforcement took immediate action. Sharlow was arrested and taken into custody,” the university said.
A spokesperson for the university said the threats were directed at Campbell University and that no weapons were actually found on campus.
Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said that Sharlow was seen in a video saying he wanted to get a shotgun, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and take out as many people as he could. Deputies said Sharlow confessed to making the statement.
Sharlow was taken into custody Wednesday and released on bond Thursday, according to the university.
The university said it has dismissed Sharlow from the university and said he’s not allowed to step foot on any of its campuses.
The university sent out an email to students and staff about the arrest:
“On Wednesday, Aug. 20, several members of our community reported hearing some concerning statements and alerted campus safety officials. The person who allegedly communicated these statements is a student and was taken into custody on main campus Wednesday evening. University officials are cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation.”
