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The FBI is investigating a note threatening to damage trees and shrubs in the Grove at Ole Miss, the school announced on Wednesday.
A handwritten note threatening damage to bushes in the Grove and signed “Hail State/Go to Hell TSUN” was turned over to the Jackson office of the FBI by University of Mississippi police chief Calvin Sellars.
The note arrived on campus late Tuesday, and read:
“What’s going to happen to ya’ll on the field Saturday Aint nothing compared to what’s going to happen on your beautiful campus. You won’t be one of the most pretty campus’s Next year. A lot of shrubs and trees are going to die; especially in the grove. Can’t stop us” (signed) “Hail State Go to Hell TSUN.”
Law enforcement officials are taking the threat seriously and ask fans to report any suspicious behavior, according to a release provided by the school. Stellars said additional resources have been added for fan safety inside and outside the stadium.
“This longtime football rivalry has separated families and friends for generations, but while it’s spirited, our attention has been focused mostly on the football field,” Sellers said. “We encourage everyone to remember that this is a game, after all, not a time for hate. We are hopeful that passions have not escalated to the point that someone is prepared to do damage to a landmark for which all Mississippians take great pride.”
Officials believe the threat is similar to that of Alabama fan Harvey Updyke Jr., who pled guilty to poisoning the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn following the 2010 Iron Bowl.
Appreciate respect & leadership of @stricklinMSU & glad we could partner on this message for the Egg Bowl pic.twitter.com/t2QQCSdjvR
— Ross Bjork (@RossBjorkAD) November 26, 2014
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
