HOUGHTON, MI-- The suspect accused of posting an online threat aimed at Michigan Tech’s black community was arraigned Monday.
Matthew Schultz, 21, of Dickinson County stood mute on the charge of disturbing the peace. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He allegedly posted “Gonna shoot all black people” on Yik Yak, an anonymous social platform, last Thursday.
Houghton County Prosecutor Michael Makinen says officials are still investigating the case and he’s waiting for the results of a forensic exam on some computers. He says he may amend Schultz’ charges or drop the current one altogether.
Students marched from Tech’s campus to the Houghton Courthouse Sunday night. They want more stringent charges to be leveled at Schultz.
Makinen said although what Schultz allegedly posted was “egregious”, no weapons were found in his possession.
MTU President Glenn Mroz says his administration takes threats of this type “with the utmost seriousness.” Students are hosting a campus dialogue about the issue December 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Hall, room 135.
Schultz, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student, is suspended from the university and banned from campus. He’s out on bond, awaiting a November 30 hearing in Houghton County District Court.
