Florida University Student Detained Over Alleged Bomb Threat in WhatsApp Group
A 23-year-old Florida International University student is currently in custody after authorities allege she posted a series of disturbing messages in a large student WhatsApp group, including one that invoked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and appeared to call for explosives to be dropped on campus.
Chilling Messages Spark Campus Panic
Gabriela Saldana, a student at Florida International University, was arrested after allegedly sending alarming communications to a WhatsApp group of approximately 200 students who were discussing a scheduled gathering at the university's Ocean Bank Convocation Center. According to police reports, the messages quickly generated concern among recipients who did not interpret them as humorous.
In one particularly concerning post, Saldana allegedly wrote: 'Netanyahu, if you can hear me, drop some bonbons for us Capstone students in Ocean Bank Convocation Center.' Law enforcement officials indicated the term 'bonbons' was interpreted as a potential reference to explosive devices rather than confectionery items.
Additional Threatening Content Revealed
Authorities state the troubling communications extended beyond the Netanyahu reference. During court proceedings, police testified that Saldana also posted: 'There is going to be a bomb in the Ocean Bank Convocation Center and it was going to be Jonathan's fault,' apparently referring to another student participating in the group chat.
The messages were disseminated in the hours preceding the planned campus event, prompting multiple students to report the communications to university authorities. Campus police initiated an immediate investigation based on these reports, treating the threats as credible and imminent.
Judicial Proceedings and Student Response
Saldana was apprehended near the university's main campus and subsequently appeared in bond court before Judge Mindy S. Glazer. During the hearing, Saldana acknowledged sending the messages, describing them as 'a dumb joke that should not have been made.'
However, Judge Glazer determined there was probable cause for the charges, stating: 'I can understand your position when you are saying this is a joke. But to an objective person, it's not a joke, and it would be enough for probable cause. I'm not saying it's enough for beyond a reasonable doubt. I don't know if the state is going to be able to prove it in trial, but for purposes of this hearing, I believe there is enough for probable cause.'
The judge declined to find probable cause for an additional enhancement related to prejudice in the case. Saldana's bond was established at $5,000 following the hearing.
University Response and Ongoing Investigation
Florida International University issued an official statement confirming the arrest and emphasizing the seriousness with which the threat was treated. University representatives stated: 'An FIU student has been arrested for making a credible and imminent threat of violence at a planned university event. According to the investigation, the suspect identified a specific date, time and venue.'
The university further noted that due to ongoing investigative procedures and federal student privacy regulations, additional commentary would be limited. Officials assured the campus community that there is no continuing threat to university safety following the arrest.
Prosecutors have formally charged Saldana with making written threats to kill or do bodily harm. The case continues to develop as law enforcement completes their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged threats and the student's motivations for posting the concerning messages.
