Jose Santos, a 21-year-old resident of Hialeah, was arrested on Monday after investigators said he published an Instagram threat vowing that “everyone at MDC dies today,” according to an arrest affidavit cited by The Reporter. The threat targeted Miami Dade College on the first day of fall classes, prompting a swift response from campus public safety and local law enforcement.
Arrest Details and Charges
Officers booked Santos on a felony charge of written threats to kill or do bodily injury. According to the police affidavit, investigators from the major crimes unit traced the threatening Instagram account to Santos and located him at 141 West 31 St., roughly three miles away from the college’s Hialeah Campus. Law enforcement took him into custody following a report received by campus officers on August 24 at approximately 10:30 a.m. regarding a potential mass act of terrorism.
“Upon learning of a threatening social media post involving the College, MDC Public Safety immediately contacted and worked closely with the Hialeah Police Department,” Miami Dade College said in a statement published by The Reporter. “Law enforcement responded swiftly and took the individual into custody.”
Motive and Legal Proceedings
Investigators stated in the affidavit that Santos carried out the threat because he was frustrated with Miami Dade College over what he described as “their difficulty to enroll without seeing a committee.” Santos appeared in court for a first appearance hearing on August 25, where he entered a not guilty plea. As of Tuesday evening, records show he remains held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
The incident marks the second high-profile arrest in connection with the Hialeah Campus within a five-month span. On March 9, authorities arrested Leonard Diaz inside the campus parking garage after he brandished a firearm during a verbal dispute with another student, according to records from The Reporter. College officials have not confirmed whether Santos is currently enrolled as a student.
Keep reading