Mississippi State student challenges bomb-threat accusation after campus detention

Mississippi State University junior Zayden Leonard says he was handcuffed and detained at the campus financial aid office August 26 after an employee reported an alleged bomb threat. Leonard denies making any threat. His attorney, Harry Daniels, told Atlanta Black Star that the encounter followed a phone call about an academic-scholarship problem and that Leonard went to the office to resolve it in person.

Daniels said at least six campus officers approached Leonard while he waited for assistance and detained him for less than an hour. According to the attorney, Leonard was not charged with a crime and has not faced university discipline. Daniels's team is investigating and considering possible civil action, but the reporting reviewed for this brief does not identify a lawsuit that has been filed.

Mississippi State public-affairs director Sid Salter said the university follows safety and reporting procedures when potential threats are reported and cooperates with law enforcement. The school declined to discuss details, citing ongoing legal and disciplinary processes. Atlanta Black Star obtained statements from Leonard's attorney and the university; TheGrio separately summarized that reporting. Neither outlet published a police report or recording of the call, so this brief does not determine exactly what was said.