DETROIT – An honors student who posted an online threat about a year ago was given probation last Friday by U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III. 

Ali Saad

Ali Saad, 20, who posted a false threat online that he planned to take an AK-47 to WSU’s General Lectures building and kill more people than were killed at Virginia Tech University in 2007, had been the subject of an investigation by WSU police and FBI agents. 

The prosecution recommended no prison time, and the judge agreed, saying that Saad’s conduct was the result of anger and narcotics or substance abuse before giving him a warning to straighten up. Saad apologized in court. 

Saad must now live with his parents and be subject to an 11 p.m. To 7 a.m. curfew for at least a year as part of his three-year probation sentence. 

His status as an honor student at Fordson High School where he completed 19 college credits was also noted. Saad is currently a University of Michigan-Dearborn student, and was supported by more than 30 friends and family members in court. 

His defense attorney said that the blog he posted on carried a message saying all content was fictional.