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