FROSTBURG, MD – On Monday, Frostburg State University (FSU) Police were alerted to a bomb threat posted on social media that targeted the Lane University Center on campus. In response, FSU Police and Lane Center staff quickly evacuated the Lane University Center, Lewis J. Ort Library, and Gira Center.
As a precaution, bomb-detecting K-9 units from the Maryland State Police and Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted a thorough search of the buildings. No explosive devices were found, and the buildings were declared safe for re-entry. University Police, with assistance from the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I), immediately launched an investigation into the origin of the social media post.
The investigation, which included cooperation from the social media platform, identified 20-year-old Thomas Charles Lenhart, an FSU student from Millersville, MD, as the suspect. It was revealed that the post was a prank, and there was never a threat to the safety of students or staff at FSU. Lenhart was arrested and charged with Threat of Mass Violence. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance, posted a $2,500 bond, and was released pending his next court appearance.