2008 Woodie Awards
BOMB, SHOOTING THREATS SHUT RAMSEY
Fraternity event spurs threats
TAMARA BEST
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News
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"Threats of violence on multiple levels were made this afternoon specific to the Alpha Phi Alpha event, which gave the administration enough time to decide to cancel the event," said University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson.
Pajama Jam 2008, hosted by the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., was scheduled to be held at the volleyball arena in Ramsey with the proceeds to benefit the March of Dimes.
Several rumors regarding the types of threats, including a bomb threat and possible shooting circulated among students in the East Campus Village area.
Williamson would not comment on the types or numbers of threats made saying that the incident is under investigation at this time.
Students living near East Campus, who planned to attend the event, also expressed concern over students not being notified about the potential threat via UGA Alert, an emergency notification system or other notification.
Williamson said that the threat was "isolated" and because it was not University-wide the alert system was not used.
Police were stationed on foot and by vehicle surrounding the East Campus Village entrances and exits in addition to patrolling the E04 parking deck, the Ramsey Center and areas near the Georgia Museum of Art and the future site for the Lamar Dodd Art School building.
Williamson said that extra police were to be on hand for the event, but remained stationed after the event's cancellation to help inform those arriving on campus.
""Emotions are so charged and we don't want any conflict to arise as people arrive and congregate," Williamson said.
Police met with the fraternity chapter and their advisers at about 7:30 p.m. in the Greek life offices, located in Memorial Hall.
"We would work with the chapter to reschedule the event, if that is there wish moving forward," said Eric Atkinson assistant to the vice president in the office of student affairs.
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha were unavailable for comment Saturday night.
More than 1,000 people from the southeast were expected to attend the party according to information about the event on Facebook.
Tickets for the event ranged from $10-20 and Atkinson said that campus life would work with the chapter to reimburse those who purchased tickets.
"We are going to work with the chapter to figure out reimbursement for students and others that may have ordered tickets," Atkinson.
Students may return their tickets, if they have the original ticket, for a refund at the Greek Life Office in 216 Memorial Hall Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Methods to reimburse guests not from the University remains unclear at this time, according to Atkinson.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 8
Ida Jones
posted 4/13/08 @ 4:22 PM EST
SO, if there is an "isolated" threat at one specific dorm, your telling me their wouldn't be a UGA ALERT sent out? If you ask me that's a flaw in the system and should be a concern to all students not just the black student who were planning on attending the party. (Continued…)
Shut Up
posted 4/13/08 @ 6:53 PM EST
Ida, why send out a UGA Alert? Since the part was canceled, there was no longer a threat or a need to send one out.
Seriously?
posted 4/13/08 @ 11:55 PM EST
"Ida," I can't take you even half way seriously. Your grammar is pathetic, and you are obviously too uneducated to be posting.
Tim C
posted 4/15/08 @ 10:33 PM EST
If you had actually read the information about the UGA alert when you signed up for it you would already know that its only used for CAMPUS WIDE emergencies that pose an immediate threat to campus safety. (Continued…)
You Shut Up
posted 4/16/08 @ 12:01 AM EST
Ramsey was not shut down, only the party was. Students were still able to work out and play basketball at the courts inside of Ramsey. You mean to tell me if there is a bomb threat for a party scheduled to be held at Ramsey that Ramsey should not be closed? That's bull. (Continued…)
You're a moron
posted 4/19/08 @ 2:49 AM EST
Once again I can't read? how about you read all of the articles posted in the read and black and tell me if you can read!! There were 3 bomb threats called on the party and for the bolton incident, they said there was a bomb threat. (Continued…)
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