Computers, Servers Seized In Pitt Bomb Threat Investigation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – While students at the University of Pittsburgh only have about a week left in the semester, authorities are continuing their investigation into a recent string of bomb threats.
The FBI is delving deeper into where the dozens of bomb threats, mostly in e-mail form, are coming from.
Authorities keyed in on an Internet hosting service in New York. According to its website, a server located in an office shared by Riseup and May First/People Link was seized by the FBI.
That server is operated by an Italian-based internet service provider that has the capabilities to anonymously send e-mails and avoid any tracking of the sender.
It is for this reason that a spokesperson from Riseup stated: "We cannot help but wonder why such drastic action was taken when authorities knew that the server contained no useful information that would help in their investigation."
"I think people were excited that they had some suspects and that they may have been getting somewhere," said Pitt graduate student Taylor McKelvie. "Everyone seems to be a little discouraged with the recent influx again of bomb threats."
A transgendered couple from Johnstown continues to be looked at in the investigation.
Katherine Anne McCluskey was born a man, but now lives as a woman. Her partner, Seamus Johnston, who was born a woman, but now lives as a man, filed a discrimination lawsuit after a dispute over which bathroom and locker room Johnston should use.
Johnston was allegedly expelled from the school for repeatedly using the men's locker room.
Both were in Pittsburgh earlier this week to testify in front of a federal grand jury. They were ordered to provide handwriting samples and fingerprints, but said they have nothing to do with the bomb threats.
The couple has not been arrested or charged.
Students at Pitt continue to carry on the best they can, staying as informed as possible about the investigation into the bomb threats that have caused major disruptions this spring.
"I'm sure that they're doing everything they can, it's just disappointing on all ends," said McKelvie.
"It's just causing so many problems and I just wish I could finish out my semester normally," said student Jeremy Yellon.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to contact the University of Pittsburgh Police Department at 412-624-2121 or by e-mail at police@pitt.edu.
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