RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Some final exams and a commencement at the University of California (UC) Riverside were cancelled June 15 after firefighters found two homemade bombs. Two threatening letters were also received and specifically mentioned the commencement.
Early in the morning on June 15, firefighters doused a burning tree that was located where the graduation ceremony would take place later that day. The fire department then found one of the firebombs, and upon doing an additional search, found a second explosive device in a planter. Both of the firebombs, described as plastic bottles possibly containing accelerant, were located adjacent to the Life Sciences building, near the outdoor Carillon Mall.
Students who had been taking their finals were evacuated from the Life Sciences building. The devices were neutralized, and no one was injured.
Later that same day, a threatening letter was found near the bookstore, so the remaining final exams were cancelled. A second letter was delivered just before 4 p.m. to an administrator.
Former UC Riverside student Audley Yung, 22, has been arrested in connection with the incidents. He has been charged with arson, possession of a destructive device and making terrorist threats. Officials believe he acted alone.
Although the commencement scheduled for June 15 has been rescheduled for June 18, the other graduation ceremonies scheduled for June 16 and 17 proceeded with tightened security.
