Anita Sarkeesian, author of the video blog "Feminist Frequency," cancelled her Wednesday speaking engagement at Utah State University, according to Time. University officials were notified of a threat of a mass shooting if Sarkeesian were allowed to address students but they did not ban concealed weapons from the event.
Sarkeesian, known for her feminist views on women in video games, cancelled her speech when she found out the school had not taken any precautionary measures.
The threat was emailed by someone who claimed to be a student, according to Time. The potential terrorist claimed he or she would commit "the deadliest school shooting in American history" if Sarkeesian was allowed to make her presentation.
The Standard Examiner reported the email threat boasted, "I have at my disposal a semi-automatic rifle, multiple pistols, and a collection of pipe bombs."
According to The Standard Examiner, the university issued a statement saying, "Sarkeesian was informed that, in accordance with the State of Utah law regarding the carrying of firearms, if a person has a valid concealed firearm permit and is carrying a weapon, they are permitted to have it at the venue."
Policy 1-003 addresses the University's policy on firearms. They are making no exceptions based on this threat.
A threatening email sent to USU officials about Wednesday's speaker Anita Sarkeesian is being investigated by police. Details to come soon.
— USUAggies (@USUAggies) October 14, 2014
Anita Sarkeesian has canceled her speech scheduled for tomorrow at USU. University classes and business will continue as scheduled.
— USUAggies (@USUAggies) October 15, 2014
Forced to cancel my talk at USU after receiving death threats because police wouldn't take steps to prevent concealed firearms at the event.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
Multiple specific threats made stating intent to kill me & feminists at USU. For the record one threat did claim affiliation with #gamergate
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
To be clear: I didn't cancel my USU talk because of terrorist threats, I canceled because I didn't feel the security measures were adequate.
— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) October 15, 2014
1999: gamers demand we stop blaming school shootings on videogames. 2014: gamers threaten a school shooting because videogames.
— Dead Cousin Squinky (@TheSquink) October 15, 2014
After extensive review, USU Police have determined that there is NO threat to students. Please see link for more info https://t.co/MNds5ojYBX
— USUAggies (@USUAggies) October 15, 2014
