Breaking News :LSU student arrested for allegedly threatening to kill governor who … see more

Breaking News : LSU student arrested for allegedly threatening to kill governor who … see more

**BATON ROUGE, LA —** A Louisiana State University (LSU) student was arrested late Thursday evening after allegedly making threats to kill the governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, over a highly publicized incident involving a live tiger. The incident, which has captured statewide attention, is centered around the Governor’s controversial request to have a live tiger present at an LSU football game.

The arrest occurred after an extensive investigation into threatening messages that were posted on social media and reported to the LSU Police Department. The student, who has been identified as a 21-year-old senior majoring in Environmental Science, was taken into custody without incident. He now faces multiple felony charges, including terroristic threats and cyberstalking, in connection with the alarming statements made against the Governor.

**Background: The Controversial Tiger Request**

The controversy began earlier this week when Governor Edwards made a public statement about his desire to bring a live tiger to an LSU Tigers football game. The request was made during a meeting with officials from LSU and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, as part of a larger discussion regarding the university’s involvement with the famed live tiger mascot, Mike the Tiger.

LSU’s live tiger mascot, Mike VII, is a beloved symbol of school spirit, and has made appearances at football games, charity events, and other university functions. However, the notion of having the tiger, a large and dangerous animal, present at the actual game — in this case, during LSU’s highly anticipated match against the Alabama Crimson Tide — was seen as controversial by many. The idea raised serious questions about animal welfare, public safety, and the ethics of using a tiger as a living spectacle for entertainment.

Governor Edwards, a vocal supporter of animal rights, initially proposed the idea as a way to boost tourism and support for the university. However, his suggestion quickly became the subject of intense backlash, particularly from animal rights groups, conservationists, and even some LSU students. Many argued that it was unethical to transport a live tiger to a crowded stadium, exposing the animal to undue stress and risk.

**The Alleged Threats**

The controversy took a dangerous turn when threats began circulating on social media. On Thursday morning, LSU officials alerted the police after receiving several reports of posts on a popular online forum, where an individual — later identified as the suspect — allegedly posted multiple messages threatening to harm Governor Edwards if he followed through with his plan to bring the tiger to the game.

The posts, which were made under an anonymous screen name, included disturbing language and explicit threats to the Governor’s life, specifically in relation to the tiger issue. One message read: “If the governor dares to bring a live tiger to the game, I will personally make sure he doesn’t get the chance to make that mistake. No one should mess with animals like that.” Another post stated: “The Governor needs to know he’s in danger if he tries to bring that tiger to the stadium. I’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.”

The threats were alarming enough to prompt an immediate investigation by both LSU Police and the Louisiana State Police. Authorities traced the posts back to the student, who had reportedly been vocal about his disapproval of Governor Edwards’ proposal on other platforms as well.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had a history of posting similar messages, though none had been as explicitly violent. He had previously expressed strong opinions about animal welfare, particularly regarding the treatment of exotic animals in captivity. Friends and acquaintances of the student described him as passionate about animal rights, but they also indicated that he had become increasingly agitated and confrontational in recent months, particularly in regard to local politics.

**The Arrest**

At approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday evening, LSU Police, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, located the student at his off-campus apartment near the university. After a brief standoff, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

A spokesperson for the LSU Police Department confirmed that the student had been charged with making terroristic threats and cyberstalking. In a statement released to the press, Police Chief Leslie Jacobs said, “The LSU Police Department takes all threats against public officials and members of the community very seriously. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens, students, and faculty, and will continue to investigate any threats made against the Governor or other public figures.”

Following the arrest, the student was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail, where he was held on a $100,000 bond. His identity, which was initially withheld, was later confirmed through public records. His lawyer, who requested anonymity, issued a statement saying, “While we do not condone any threats made by our client, we hope to clarify that these statements were made in a moment of deep frustration and that he never intended for anyone to take them seriously.”

**Governor Edwards Responds**

Governor Edwards, who was in Baton Rouge preparing for a series of meetings regarding state policy, was informed of the arrest early Friday morning. In a press conference later that afternoon, the Governor expressed relief that law enforcement had acted swiftly to apprehend the individual responsible for the threats.

“I’m grateful to the LSU Police Department and all those involved for their swift action in ensuring that this situation was resolved peacefully,” Governor Edwards said. “Threats of violence, especially those made against public figures, are never acceptable. While I stand by my support for LSU and its traditions, it’s important to remember that we must always consider the safety and well-being of both people and animals.”

The Governor reiterated that he was still in talks with LSU officials and animal rights organizations regarding the live tiger issue, though he did not provide further details about whether the tiger would be present at the upcoming football game.

“We’re continuing to explore alternatives and gather input from various groups,” Edwards added. “Our goal is to make decisions that reflect the values of the people of Louisiana and LSU, while also ensuring the humane treatment of animals.”

**The LSU Student Community Reacts**

The arrest of the LSU student has sparked a wave of reactions across campus, with students and faculty divided on the issue of animal welfare and the student’s actions. Many were shocked by the gravity of the situation, especially given that the student had previously been involved in peaceful protests and activism related to animal rights.

Sarah Owens, a senior and animal rights advocate, spoke about her feelings of confusion and concern. “I’m completely against what the Governor suggested with the live tiger, but violence is never the answer,” she said. “It’s really sad to see someone go from speaking out for a cause to resorting to threats like this. I hope we can all come together to have a meaningful conversation about the issues, rather than letting emotions take over.”

On the other hand, some LSU students expressed frustration with how the situation had been handled by both the Governor and university officials. “This is about the safety of an animal, not some political game,” said Jordan Ellis, an undergraduate who attended a protest earlier this week in opposition to the live tiger plan. “The fact that it had to come to a situation like this — where people feel pushed to such extremes — is really disheartening.”

The campus community has also seen a growing number of discussions regarding the broader implications of the situation. Several groups have called for heightened awareness around the ethical treatment of animals in university settings and have demanded that LSU reassess its involvement with live animal mascots.

**Animal Rights Groups Weigh In**

National and local animal rights groups have weighed in on both the proposed presence of a live tiger at LSU games and the recent arrest. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which has long criticized LSU for its use of live animals as mascots, released a statement condemning the entire affair.

“LSU’s decision to use a live tiger as a symbol of school pride is outdated and dangerous,” said Brittany Peirce, a spokeswoman for PETA. “Animals like Mike the Tiger are not objects for human entertainment — they are living beings that deserve to live in peace, away from the stresses and risks of being in a crowded stadium.”

While animal rights groups have voiced their concerns over the use of live animals in public events, they have also urged calm and non-violence in the wake of the arrest. “While we support peaceful advocacy and protest, we do not condone threats of violence in any form,” said Peirce. “We hope that this incident serves as a reminder that there are always peaceful ways to create change and raise awareness.”

**Legal Consequences and Potential Charges**

As the investigation continues, legal experts are examining the potential consequences the LSU student could face. Threatening the life of a public official is a serious crime under Louisiana law, and if convicted, the student could face up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, cyberstalking charges carry their own penalties, including possible fines and imprisonment.

Some have speculated that the student’s history of activism could be taken into account during sentencing, with some calling for leniency in light of his apparent commitment to animal rights causes. However, law enforcement has stressed that such considerations do not diminish the seriousness of making threats of violence.

**The Road Ahead**

As the controversy surrounding LSU’s live tiger mascot continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the tension between animal rights advocacy, public safety, and university traditions will not dissipate easily. For now, the arrest of one student has highlighted the lengths to which individuals will go when they feel passionately about a cause — even when those actions cross the line into criminal behavior.

Governor Edwards’ next steps in the ongoing tiger debate will likely remain under scrutiny, and both LSU and animal welfare advocates will continue to monitor the situation closely.

In the meantime, Baton Rouge remains on edge, as the city braces for what promises to be an eventful — and potentially contentious — football season.