Suspect Charged With Terrorism in FIT Gun Scare: NYPD

What to Know

  • An FIT student was arrested in connection with a gun scare that sent the school into lockdown Friday
  • Students reported a video circulating on social media that showed the student in a school stairwell with what turned out to be a BB gun
  • The student was taken into custody at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square, according to FIT

A Fashion Institute of Technology student was arrested in connection with a gun scare that sent the school in Manhattan into lockdown Friday, law enforcement sources said.

Noah Lee, 22, of Manhattan, was charged with terrorism and weapons charges, the NYPD said early Saturday. It wasn't immediately clear whether Lee had an attorney. 

The school issued a "shelter in place" after students reported a video circulating on social media that showed the student in a school stairwell with what appeared to be a gun, FIT said in a statement. 

The weapon turned out to be a pellet gun, law enforcement sources said. The student was taken into custody at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square, according to FIT.

Investigators believe the student filmed a video at FIT, but left the school and subsequently posted the video on the street as he made his way to the Barnes and Noble. The student hasn't yet been charged in connection with the incident.

The NYPD confirmed that there is no active threat in the area, and the lockdown was lifted shortly after 7 p.m. 

"When police were assured that the campus and surrounding area were safe, the shelter in place was ended shortly after 7 p.m.," FIT said. "All FIT community members on campus are safe."

Several social media users reported hiding in classrooms at the school during the lockdown.

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