The Fourth Estate
A brief overview of Mason’s largest stories that transpired over the Winter break
BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER
During the month of December, as Mason’s fall 2024 semester wrapped up, several monumental moments have landed Mason in a few large news stories.
On Dec. 13, 2024, President Gregory Washington addressed the “investigation of felony destruction” and the November FBI-raid of two students home in an official statement. The statement included details of the investigation, the suspension of a registered student group and addressed campus safety concerns. “GMU Police had cause under University Policy 1132 to issue a criminal trespass notice, barring two George Mason students from physically entering university property,” reads the statement. “Additionally, under the student code of conduct, the university imposed an interim suspension on a registered student organization.”
“Our university life staff are keeping a close eye on conditions for your well-being, and are available to you when you need them. Whether you can see them or not, extensive protections are in place, working as they are intended to, maintaining the safe learning and living environment we cherish,” the statement reads.
The entire statement can be viewed below.
On Dec. 4, a statement was published by the faculty and staff for Justice in Palestine at Mason. The statement, addressed to President Washington, recounts the details of the raid Nov. 7 and calls for the reinstatement of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter, revoking the trespass orders on the two students, returning their belongings and conducting a “full and independent investigation” on the decisions that led to the raid. The statement was signed by over 90 different organizations, including several SJP chapters around the commonwealth.
After the fall semester ended, news broke of a Mason student linked to plotting a mass casualty attack. The student, a Mason freshman, is reported to be facing federal charges including, “distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction and the intent to murder internationally protected persons.”
The FBI was alerted by the student’s behavior on social media. During an undercover investigation, an FBI informant communicated with the student who discussed further details of the plot, eventually leading to arrest.
On Dec. 19, President Washington released another statement to provide an update on campus safety. “George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students,” reads the statement.
The statement highlights that the arrest, which the university was made aware of on Dec. 17, is not tied to the Nov. 7 raid. “As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations.”
The statement cites the Patriot Plan for Community Safety and Well-Being to explain the safety measures the university expects to implement. This plan was first announced on Nov. 2, 2023, where President Washington addressed the “increased acts of violence and hostility toward members of the Jewish and Muslim communities.” The plan promises increased police presence, enhanced enforcement of codes of conduct, increased resources and “individual Compassionate Listening Sessions.”
The entire statement can be viewed below.
There have been no official updates released regarding either arrests.
Statement from President Gregory Washington published on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.
Editor’s note: President Washington’s statement can be viewed here, on the Office of the President website.
“Dear fellow Patriots:
As we approach the close of the fall semester, I want to put to rest concerns we have heard voiced on campus in recent weeks, as recent headlines and social media have left some worried about the safety of the George Mason University campus. In particular, a recent off-campus police action has left many alarmed. Unfortunately, the often-distortive nature of social media has made matters worse.
Last month an ongoing investigation of felony destruction of university property necessitated that a search warrant be executed at the off-campus home of two students. Among the findings, the search turned up sufficient amounts of weaponry and materials calling for violence against Americans and in particular Jews to warrant immediate precautionary action to maintain the safety of the university community.
Following the completion of the search, based on the evidence obtained and in furtherance of the investigation, GMU Police had cause under University Policy 1132 to issue a criminal trespass notice, barring two George Mason students from physically entering university property.
Additionally, under the student code of conduct, the university imposed an interim suspension on a registered student organization.
As the criminal investigation continues, the bottom line for you is this: You are safe here, and you belong here, no matter what community you identify with. Our police department and a number of other less visible security teams are looking out for you 24/7. Our university life staff are keeping a close eye on conditions for your well-being, and are available to you when you need them. Whether you can see them or not, extensive protections are in place, working as they are intended to, maintaining the safe learning and living environment we cherish.
I hope you are focused on three priorities now: final exams, commencement for those graduating, and a well-earned winter break. Those are what this time of year is really all about.
Good luck on your finals, travel safely when you are done, and have a joyous, restful and restorative winter break. You’ve earned it, Patriots!
Sincerely,
Gregory Washington
President”
Statement from President Gregory Washington published on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
Editor’s note: President Washington’s statement can be viewed here, on the Office of the President website.
“Dear fellow Patriots:
I am writing to update you on a new situation we are managing relative to a student who was recently arrested by the FBI, as it has caused security concerns among some members of the community that I want to address.
George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students. The arrest, which the university learned of on Tuesday, December 17, so far appears to have no connection to an earlier police action involving two George Mason students whose home was searched in November.
Although the student did not live on campus, he has been barred from entering university property. As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations.
The recent developments have caused the university to take additional appropriate measures to maintain the safety of the university community. In addition to campus security measures first announced in November 2023 in the Patriot Plan for Campus Safety and Community Well-Being, the university has expanded its protective commitment on a number of fronts. Events like the two recent actions are proof that these systems are working as intended.
Enhanced law enforcement capacities – Robust law enforcement capacities are operational at George Mason, including the first fully equipped university SWAT team in Virginia.
Coordinated network of protection – George Mason University Police (GMUPD) maintains close ties with local, state, and federal law enforcement to enhance early detection, prevention, and when necessary, law enforcement actions.
Student engagement – GMUPD officers are routinely present at student gatherings for those who express the need for enhanced security, and safety escorts around campus are increasingly conducted by uniformed personnel.
Constant university vigilance – A university threat assessment team meets whenever needed to assess each threat reported and quickly address appropriate measures to resolve it. The University is constantly evaluating its safety protocols based on shifting conditions.
Emergency Operations Group – A cross-functional team of university officials meets regularly and as needed to provide on-demand emergency operations services to address a wide variety of campus emergencies.
These capabilities, plus more measures that by design remain invisible, form a protective web around the university campus that our proximity to the nation’s capital demands, with capabilities not always available to universities elsewhere.
As we work to maintain your safety here, my wish for you is a joyous and restful holiday. I’ll see you in the new year, Patriots.
Sincerely,
Gregory Washington
President”
