UPDATE (2/28/2025): Our office previously released the name of the defendant due to his age at the time of the crime. Our office is no longer disclosing his name due to his eligibility for youthful offender adjudication.
PRESS RELEASE (5/22/2024):
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that an 18-year-old male from Newburg, New York, was arraigned this morning before Amherst Town Court Justice Kara A. Buscaglia on one count of Attempted Making a Terroristic Threat (Class “E” felony) and one count of Attempted Making a Threat of Mass Harm (violation).
It is alleged that on Monday, May 6, 2024, at approximately 12:46 p.m., the defendant allegedly made a threatening post on a social media platform, which was directed toward individuals who were participating in a demonstration organized by the Jewish Student Union at University at Buffalo North Campus in the Town of Amherst. The defendant, who is a student at UB, was issued an appearance ticket.
The defendant is scheduled to return on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance under the condition that he must stay off of all UB property unless there is a specific directive from the University allowing him access.
If convicted of the highest charge, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends the University at Buffalo Police for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mitchell C. Boughton of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.