Kent State Student Charged With Inducing Panic After Sending Threatening Message Via Social Media

Kent State University Police have charged William Koberna, 19, with Inducing Panic (a Felony of the Fifth Degree) and Aggravated Menacing (a Misdemeanor of the First Degree) related to a public tweet in which he threatened violence to the university campus.  
 
Koberna recently lived in Kent, but currently resides in Brunswick, Ohio. Brunswick Police executed an arrest warrant at Koberna’s home late Sunday afternoon and took him into custody without incident. 
 
Koberna, who is a sophomore, will be arraigned Monday, July 30.
 
Koberna faces university hearings that can result in his suspension or dismissal.
 
“Any threat to our campus community is taken seriously and immediately investigated,” said Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton. “Our students, employees, and all those who come to campus should know that their safety is our top priority."

A mug shot of Koberna will be available from Kent State University Police on Monday.

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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797, cell: 216-313-8292
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595