Penn State police investigate racially motivated Zoom-bombings
Updated Feb 17, 2021;
Penn State University Police are investigating two racially motivated “Zoom-bombings” that targeted two separate diversity events held Monday.
The unwanted hijacking of a Zoom video conference call at the two different events held at University Park and Penn State Brandywine are the latest of similar incidents under investigation by the University Police and Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Unit and Penn State’s Office of Information Security.
In both instances, the Zoom-bomber was dressed as a police officer while displaying what appears to be a firearm, Penn State officials said in a press release.
ZOOM Bombings
Officials are continuing to investigate the “Zoom-bombings” that occurred last week at Penn State which targeted minorities.
Authorities say the perpetrators targeted the Black Caucus portion of the University’s Spring Virtual Student Involvement Fair and used hate-filled, racist and anti-Semitic language.
Campus police, the Office of Information Security, FBI and the Centre County District Attorney’s office are all involved in the investigation.
Investigators say ethnic intimidation, harassment, disorderly conduct and unlawful use of a computer are some of the criminal charges that the perpetrators could face.
Police are applauding the victims for reporting the incident immediately.
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Image: Pat Mansell
February 03, 2021
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. The investigation of the “Zoom-bombing” that occurred Jan. 27 during a Black Caucus portion of Penn State’s Spring Virtual Student Involvement Fair is ongoing. University Police has been consulting with internal and external resources, including the Office of Information Security, FBI and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office. Ethnic intimidation, harassment, disorderly conduct and unlawful use of a computer are some of the criminal charges that individuals who are identified could face.
Investigations that involve digital forensic evidence can be lengthy, but police want the community to know that they are actively investigating this crime with the full resources of University Police and Public Safety (UPPS). Unfortunately, this Zoom attack on underrepresented communities is one among a number of similar incidents targeting universities across
The Office of Student Activities announced the dates for the Spring Virtual Student Involvement Fair on Tuesday. The event will run Jan. 26 to Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to