SUNY Potsdam University Police Update: Hate Crime Investigation

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Booking photo of former student Amjad Hussain

POTSDAM, NY (12/03/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam University Police would like to take this opportunity to update the College and the wider community about the status of the investigation into the latest hate note discovered on campus on November 24.

University Police continues to develop leads into this investigation and analyze evidence. Evidence suggests that this latest threat is very similar in nature to the two previous hate notes discovered last spring, in form and content. As you may recall, these notes were slid under a professor's door. This third note was also slid under the same door, and was discovered by faculty members on the afternoon of November 24.

This third message once again included specific heinous threats against the professor and their family. In addition, it specifically targeted students of color and LGBTQ students. University Police cannot provide further details about the evidence at this time, so as not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

As you may recall, on November 11, University Police arrested former student Amjad "Mark" Hussain and charged him with two counts of second-degree aggravated harassment/hate crime, which is a Class E felony that is punishable with up to five years in state prison. Mr. Hussain was subsequently arraigned in Canton Town Court. He was released on his own recognizance.

An order of protection was issued by the Honorable James L. Monroe for the victim and their family, which also prohibits Mr. Hussain from entering the campus and properties belonging to the College.

If Mr. Hussain is seen on or around campus property, he will be immediately arrested for violating the order of protection.

University Police would appreciate any assistance that students, faculty, staff and surrounding community members can provide to help in the investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to call University Police at (315) 267-2222.

As always, we recognize that campus safety is a partnership between University Police and the community. UP would like to thank the entire campus community for their outpouring of support in these trying times.

University Police truly appreciates the well-organized student demonstrations that have taken place in recent days, and looks forward to continuing an ongoing dialogue with the student body.

SUNY Potsdam University Police is being assisted in this investigation by SUNY Canton University Police, Potsdam Village Police, New York State Police and Homeland Security. In addition, the New York State University Police Commissioner has authorized personnel from SUNY Canton, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Oswego, Upstate Medical Center and the University at Albany to supplement SUNY Potsdam University Police patrols.

The Governor's Office has authorized two New York State troopers to be assigned to the campus until further notice, and Potsdam Village Police has also increased patrols of campus. SUNY Potsdam is speeding up the planned installation of security cameras across campus, and contractors have begun the process of installing cameras in high-priority areas.

The Night Guides continue to be available upon request. Through the end of the semester, any student can request to have a team of Night Guides accompany them to their campus destination or off-campus student housing. In addition to this, Night Guides are walking campus each evening, and will be stationed at high-traffic areas to assist students. University Police will have a uniformed officer stationed at the Library every evening until closing. To request a Night Guide, please call UP at (315) 267-2222.

SUNY Potsdam has 28 functioning Blue Light phones and many Red Phones, with a direct line to University Police. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to UP by using these resources, and please save the UP phone number in your cell phone: (315) 267-2222.