Increased Security At Wilfrid Laurier University After Snapchat Posting

Waterloo Region, Ontario– Waterloo Regional Police and the Special Constable Service at Wilfrid Laurier University are investigating an online “Snapchat” posting that raised concerns in the wake of an internet threat last week that prompted the lockdown of the university’s Waterloo campus.

The investigation is ongoing but police have determined that there is no immediate danger to the Laurier community. However, given that the Snapchat posting has been seen by a number of individuals and will likely circulate more broadly, police and the university would like to advise the community that the university remains open. Police continue to investigate the source of the posting and will pursue charges as appropriate.

To further reassure the community, the university will have increased security on the Waterloo campus today, Friday Oct. 23, and additional resources from the Waterloo Regional Police will be available as required.

Police received information about the Snapchat posting late Thursday evening. The posting included the image of a man holding what police have determined to be a replica weapon. A caption referenced “the science building”, and a number of related Snapchat images suggested that the individual making the post was familiar with Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Police alerted the university’s Special Constable Services, who immediately carried out an additional security sweep of the university’s science building and two adjacent buildings and no concerns were identified. The building will open as usual at 7 a.m.

“It is unfortunate we have individuals in this community who appear to delight in attempts to intimidate others around them,” said WRPS Chief Bryan Larkin. Know that the Waterloo Regional Police are working diligently to identify the person(s) responsible for this post and lay charges as warranted. The safety of our academic institutions is of paramount importance to our police service.”

“We realize how disruptive and disturbing these incidents are

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