University Police statement on TERPO hearing

BUFFALO, N.Y. – University at Buffalo Police responded promptly and responsibly to a complaint based on witness accounts of alleged alarming and disturbing comments that posed a potential threat to the safety of our campus community.

“We are committed to operating with transparency and want to emphasize that police did not target this individual; UPD responded to a reported serious concern based on credible information and followed established police procedures,” said University Police Chief Kimberly Beaty. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our campus community.”

The TERPO (Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order) application referenced the student organization affiliation because of negative campus and social media reactions directed at the suspect following the organization’s recent on-campus club events. Investigators believed these reactions may have been a motivating factor in the suspect’s alleged threatening behavior.

In the interest of full transparency, University Police shared all relevant information with the court to ensure the judge could make an informed decision.