CSUN Gun Photo Scare: How a Social Media Post Triggered Campus-Wide Fear

A photograph of firearms circulated online Sunday night. It sparked immediate fear across the California State University, Northridge campus. The image appeared on the anonymous platform YikYak.

It showed an assault rifle, a handgun, and ammunition. The post was marked only with a smiley face emoji. Students quickly shared the image, expressing deep concern for their safety.

Anonymous Posting and Student Reaction

The photo was posted on the CSUN-specific channel of YikYak. This platform allows users to post anonymously. According to The Sundial, the student newspaper, the post appeared just before the academic week began.

Student reactions on other platforms like Reddit were swift. Many voiced apprehension about attending classes. One user stated they were considering not going to campus due to fear. The image was downvoted and removed, but it resurfaced, adding to the anxiety.

Investigation and Official Response

CSUN’s Department of Police Services (DPS) launched an investigation. They sent a campus-wide email addressing the situation. The message confirmed they were aware of the concerning social media post.

DPS stated there was no credible threat to the campus. They announced the university would remain open for normal operations. The investigation was described as active and ongoing.

Source of the Photo Revealed

Later that evening, a Reddit user claimed responsibility for the original photograph. They explained the guns belonged to their brother. The user stated the weapons were located in Arizona, not California.

They alleged someone had screenshotted the old photo from their private story. This person then reposted it on YikYak to cause alarm. The user apologized for the panic and reiterated there was no threat to CSUN.

Broader Impact on Campus Safety

The incident highlights the challenges of anonymous social media. It demonstrates how quickly unverified information can spread. Campus communities remain highly sensitive to potential threats.

University officials must balance vigilance with reassurance. Prompt communication is essential to manage these situations. According to Reuters, similar social media scares have occurred at other universities, disrupting campus life.

The event underscores the importance of verifying online information. Students are encouraged to report concerns directly to campus police. They should also seek official updates before reacting to social media posts.

The CSUN gun photo incident serves as a stark reminder of modern campus vulnerabilities. While the threat was not credible, the emotional impact on students was very real. This event reinforces the need for digital literacy and robust safety communication.

Info at your fingertips

What was in the CSUN gun photo?

The photo showed an assault rifle, a handgun, and several boxes of ammunition. It also included multiple magazines. The image was posted with a smiley face emoji.

Was there a real threat to CSUN students?

CSUN police confirmed there was no credible threat. An investigation determined the photo was old and the guns were located in Arizona. The campus remained open during and after the incident.

Where was the photo originally posted?

The alarming photo first appeared on the anonymous app YikYak. It was posted on the CSUN-specific channel for that platform. The image was later shared on Reddit by students discussing the scare.

How did the university respond to the situation?

CSUN’s Department of Police Services sent a campus-wide email. They assured students they were investigating and stated there was no credible threat. The university encouraged students to seek counseling if needed.

Who took the original photograph?

A Reddit user later claimed to have taken the photo. They said it depicted their brother’s guns in Arizona. The user stated someone else screenshotted and reposted it maliciously.