URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Police Department has arrested a 19-year-old U. of I. student after a noose was found hanging in an elevator at Allen Hall.
Andrew M. Smith, of the 1000 block of College Court, Urbana, was arrested at 9:34 p.m. Monday after an interview with police at his residence hall. Smith was arrested for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and for committing a hate crime, which is a felony. Preliminary charges may change as the court proceedings move forward.
At about 1 a.m. Sunday, residence hall staff at Allen Hall, 1005 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, reported that they had found a rope tied into a noose hanging inside an elevator in a public area of the building. After investigating, Smith was identified as the offender.
“Our mission at the University Police Department is to maintain a safe and secure environment where our campus community members feel supported and successful,” said Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Craig Stone. “We do not tolerate incidents that are perceived by others to be a threat to their safety, and we will always respond quickly to identify offenders and hold them accountable for those actions.”
After the incident, university officials have communicated with residents and campus community members about the available resources, and University Housing professionals and Student Affairs staff across campus are available to aid students in accessing support services.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216.
