Pro-ISIS Messages Painted On Youngstown State Rock
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (KDKA) – Officials at Youngstown State University along with police and the FBI are trying to figure out who painted pro-ISIS messages on a well-known rock.
According to CBS affiliate WKBN, the rock is located outside of the Kilcawley Center.
The pro-ISIS messages were painted overnight on the huge rock, which serves as a message board of sorts for the campus community.
It's located in the heart of the Youngstown State University campus.
The messages, referring to the terrorist group said, "We are coming," "France deserves destruction," and "YSU supports ISIS."
"I was disgusted," said Jenna Portale, a student. "This is our school, this is our home for most of us."
"I thought it was just blatantly disrespectful," student Dante Marchionda said.
A campus alert was issued informing students about the incident, and local police and the FBI were also notified.
"We are definitely actively looking to see who did this and we will prosecute to the fullest extent that we possibly can, whether it's a student on campus or it's outside of campus," said Shannon Tirone, a university spokesperson.
The university immediately painted over the messages, but outraged students went a step farther and spray painted pro-American messages on the rock.
"It was just something that we wanted to say that our university is strong, America's strong and we just wanted to do the right thing," said student Carmen Martinucci.
Youngstown State has international students from a variety of countries and religions, but no one is making accusations.
"It's not about ethnicity; it's about somebody's actions," said Anthony Marchionda, another student.
According to the FBI, the messages are not being considered a credible threat. KDKA has also been told that an anonymous source is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Authorities are also combing through surveillance video from the area.
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