Florida University Student Arrested for Threatening Message in WhatsApp Group
Incident Overview
A student from a Florida university, Gabriela Saldana, has been taken into custody following allegations of sending a threatening message in a WhatsApp group chat that mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 23-year-old is accused of issuing a threat to kill or inflict bodily harm concerning an event scheduled for April 10, 2026. This message was shared in a group chat that included approximately 215 students, during discussions about an upcoming event at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center of Florida International University.
In her message, Saldana reportedly wrote, "@Netanyahu can you please drop bombs on FIU. Finals are next week and I'm not ready." She subsequently sent another message that alluded to a bomb at the event venue. Although she later claimed to law enforcement that her comments were meant as a joke, authorities regarded the message as a serious threat in accordance with Florida law. The arrest report indicated that the manner in which the threat was communicated could be perceived as genuine by others.
Campus police apprehended Saldana near Florida International University at a parking garage situated on 8th Street and 109th Avenue. Officials confirmed collaboration with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office during the investigation. Saldana acknowledged sending the messages and was arrested without any issues. She was subsequently booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on charges of making a written threat to kill or cause bodily harm.
Background on Gabriela Saldana
Gabriela Saldana is a student at Florida International University who became the focus of an investigation after sending messages in a WhatsApp group chat that were interpreted as threatening. Fellow students reported her, which led to her arrest by campus authorities. During a court hearing, Judge Mindy Glazer recognized Saldana's assertion that her message was intended as a joke, but emphasized that it could still be perceived as a serious threat. "To an objective person, it's not a joke," the judge remarked, noting that there was sufficient probable cause for the charges against her.
Saldana's bond has been set at $5,000, and she now faces possible legal repercussions as the case moves forward.