Man arrested in connection with bomb threats to the University of Pittsburgh

A man was arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection with numerous bomb threats at the University of Pittsburgh.

Mark Krangle was charged with conveying terrorist threats and harassment by communication, according to a university statement. He was arrested at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Krangle’s arrest followed more than 60 bomb threats since mid-February, all of which have been directed at the campus.

But even Krangle’s arrest has not put an end to the threats.

According to the university’s daily student newspaper, the latest bomb threat happened in a cathedral Thursday at 6:45 p.m. — bringing the total number of threats to 80.

Five dorms were evacuated early Thursday morning, and seven university buildings were evacuated Thursday afternoon.

Two other buildings were also evacuated Wednesday night.

Mandy Velez, a junior communication and English double major at the university, said the campus mood initially brightened after the announcement of the arrest. But further threats dampened the mood.

“There was some optimism after we found out about the arrest,” she said. “I am glad that he is under the microscope.”

The university has responded to the threats by enacting strict security measures, including searching everyone entering university buildings.

Many students have elected to leave the campus as a result of the threats, and Pitt has taken measures to comply with students not wishing to attend class.

Krangle’s Facebook page indicates he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976.

“I believe the threats are being made for the purpose of getting my story out about a corrupt Pittsburgh and say so in the earnest hope that getting the story out will stop the threats once and for all,” Krangle wrote on his Facebook page. “I am not materially, conceptually or operationally involved in any aspect of the threats,” he added.

Randy Young, spokesman for the UNC Department of Public Safety, said bomb threats received at UNC-CH would be immediately investigated and warnings would be issued when necessary.

But the University does not have a policy on dealing with large volumes of threats. It is determined on a case-by-case basis, Young said.

Heejung Chang, a global studies major, said she would leave if UNC-CH experienced similar threats.

“Safety is first. I don’t know how good of an education I can receive if there are so many distractions.”

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