The Latest: U of Illinois student charged after noose found
URBANA, Ill. (AP) — The latest on a University of Illinois student charged with a hate crime for tying a noose found in residence hall elevator.
3 p.m.
A University of Illinois student accused of leaving a noose in a residence hall elevator has been charged with a felony hate crime.
Andrew Smith was also arraigned on misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges Tuesday.
Champaign County Assistant State's Attorney Kristin Alferink said during the arraignment that the 19-year-old student from Normal found some rope in an elevator over the weekend and tied it into a noose. Other students reported finding the noose early Sunday.
A female friend who was with him at the time reported him to authorities and he was arrested Monday.
Defense attorney Audrey Thompson declined to comment on the charges. She said during the hearing that the sophomore has enough credits to graduate this year and a GPA of 3.79.
Judge Roger Webber set Smith's bond at $5,000. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.
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1:30 p.m.
The University of Illinois says a student has been arrested after a noose was found hanging in an elevator at a residence hall.
The university and the Champaign County Sheriff's Office says a 19-year-old student was due to appear in court Tuesday after being arrested Monday night.
University spokeswoman Robin Kaler says students reported finding the noose in an elevator in Allen Hall early Sunday. She says "the university does not condone acts of intolerance, bias, or prejudice."
The university says "housing professionals are on staff and available to students to make sure everyone knows how to access support services if they feel overwhelmed" by the incident.
