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Campbell University student charged with communicating threat of mass violence

A Campbell University spokeswoman confirmed a student was arrested Thursday for communicating threats to the school.

Posted Updated
William McKiver
By
Jason O. Boyd
, WRAL.com editor
BUIES CREEK, N.C. — A Campbell University spokeswoman confirmed to WRAL a student was arrested Thursday for communicating threats to the school.

Willard McKiver is a student who, according to arrest information from the Harnett County Sheriff's Office, lists his residence as 4406 Armitage Drive in Durham. The spokesperson said the Harnett County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation and the school is cooperating.

The arrest information lists McKiver as charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on an educational property.

Thursday evening, Campbell released a statement on the situation.

"On the afternoon of Aug. 29, a Campbell University student was arrested by the Harnett County Sheriff's department for communicating threats to the university. This behavior was taken seriously, and the person who allegedly communicated these threats was quickly taken into custody. Relevant Campbell staff are cooperating fully with this investigation. The safety and security of our Campbell community is our top priority. We thank our Campus Safety office and the Harnett County Sheriff's department for their swift efforts."

McKiver was in court Friday and was placed in the Harnett County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond. Officials said they don't believe McKiver had conspired with anyone to carry out his threat. The investigation has not revealed any evidence that would indicate he was making or planning to make any explosive devices.

This incident follows an incident where a High Point University student was removed from campus this week after he was found with two guns on campus, school officials said Wednesday. Paul Steber, 19, purchased two guns within the past week. He told investigators he planned to shoot himself and his roommate if he didn't get into a fraternity and the roommate did.

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