A Valdosta State University student at the heart of a flag-burning incident on campus that led to the very public arrest of one objecting female veteran is a self-declared "terrorist," on the run and hiding from police.
University officials sent out a warning to students on Tuesday about a gun found on campus and "unmistakable evidence ... linking the gun to Eric Sheppard," the 22-year-old man who sparked nationwide furor after a video captured him stomping and burning an American flag, which he called a symbol of "white supremacy and racism." A female veteran named Michelle Manhart saw the burning flag and tried to intervene, but ended up being detained and tossed from campus. Her struggle with police was captured on video and posted on YouTube, and her story soon after made the media waves.
Sheppard, meanwhile was not apprehended at the protest scene because of First Amendment protections, My Fox Atlanta reported. But students at VSU said since the demonstration his rhetoric only grew more heated. And Tuesday, police said a video he sent out on social media was alarming enough that they have started looking into possible charges.
He said, in one video: "I'm a terrorist towards lies. I'm a terrorist toward liars and those who are weak. So yes, I am a terrorist toward white people."
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Police said they actually confronted Sheppard about his videotaped statements on Tuesday, but he dropped a backpack and walked away, My Fox Atlanta reported. Authorities soon after discovered a gun and two clips inside the backpack, and initiated a search for Sheppard.
He's not been seen since, and authorities think he's gone into hiding and they're alerting he's "armed and dangerous," Fox News reported. They've also been combing the vicinity for signs of Sheppard and have set up a police presence outside his home.
Students on campus say they're anxious.
"My girlfriend was scared to walk across campus alone," said VSU student Trae Bryant, to My Fox Atlanta. "I think everybody's on edge."
Sheppard's father, meanwhile, has put out a statement to the press pleading with his son to do "the right thing" and turn himself in to authorities.
"Son, you know we love you and have always taught you to do the right thing," Eric Sheppard Sr. said, in a statement to the press. "Please make the right decision and turn yourself in to either the authorities or to me."
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