Suspect Who Threatened Black Howard University Students Detained Until Trial

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man accused of threatening to murder black students at Howard University appeared in the Alexandria federal courthouse Thursday and has been detained until his trial after a judge ruled he was a threat the the community.

John Edgar Rust, 26, of the Rose Hill area of Fairfax County, was arrested Wednesday after being traced back to a threatening message posted on Reddit in November 2015.

Rust allegedly posted a statement online threatening to murder black students at Howard University. The post from the user "watchouthoward" read, "Any n****** left at Howard University after 10 tomorrow will be the first to go," according to an affidavit.

The suspect claimed he was a University of Missouri student, but the affidavit indicates he was allegedly at the Panera Bread located at 6670 Richmond Highway in Alexandria, Va., police said.

Rust was charged with the transmission in interstate commerce of a communication containing threats to injure the person of another.

A WTOP reporter said "he showed little emotion" during the Thursday trial. His lawyer requested Rust be released until the trial, U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa Buchanan decided the suspect is a danger to the community and ordered for him to remain detained until then. A trial date has not been announced.

Howard University responded to Rust's arrest via social media, saying: "Relieved that the Federal Bureau of Investigation - FBI arrested John Edgar Rust for his 2015 racist threats to murder #AfricanAmericans on our campus. Matters like this must be taken seriously, and we will continue to update our community as appropriate."

The historically-black college increased security on campus following the threat but did not close the school. Some students chose to skip classes, while some professors cancelled classes, and the university said they wouldn't be penalized.

Rust is also a previously convicted felon and a registered sex offender. He was convicted for indecent liberties with a child by custodian and aggravated sexual battery in Loudoun County Circuit Court.

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Reporting by Patch Editor Emily Leayman. Image via Virginia State Police.