Editors’ note: This story has been updated to reflect a new email sent to the W&L community on April 13.
Washington and Lee’s Public Safety department sent an email to the campus community on Friday, April 10, asking community members to help identify a man seen on campus.
“There is no established criminal activity or known threatening behavior associated with this individual,” according to the email.
On Monday, April 13, the department sent out a second email informing the community the Public Safety had identified the man.
“The Department of Public Safety would like to extend our sincere thanks to those who reached out with information in response to our recent request for assistance,” according to the second email. “At this time, there are no criminal charges pending, and there is no known threat to the W&L Community.”
The emails didn’t explain why Public Safety was seeking to identify the man.
“Certain concerning behaviors have been observed on campus,” according to the first email. “We are seeking to better understand the situation by identifying the individual.”
The initial email featured a photograph of the unidentified individual. In the photo, he can be seen reading a book at a table that appears to be outside Café 77.
The Phi called Chief Public Safety Officer Alex Rabar’s office twice and sent Rabar an email requesting comment on Friday. He did not respond to comment in time for publication.
On Wednesday, April 8, students noticed Lexington police officers stationed around campus, including at Leyburn Library. The officers told students that there was no active threat.
Hannah Bishop, ’28, said she saw Rabar speaking with an officer outside the library on Wednesday and asked them what was going on. She said what he told her was very similar to the email sent out on Friday.
“They said that they were looking for somebody, but that he hadn’t committed any crimes yet,” Bishop said. “And that we should not be worried, that he was not a threat.”
According to the initial email, community members can email Public Safety at [email protected] or call 540-458-8999.
“We appreciate your cooperation and continued support in helping maintain a safe and informed campus community,” the email read.
