Tim Wolfe resignation heavily influenced by campus safety concerns
In an email ABC 17 News obtained Wednesday, former UM system President Tim Wolfe said his “sudden decision to resign was largely motivated by a significant pending event that was to occur on campus.”
Wolfe said they university, the FBI, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Columbia Police Department, and University of Missouri Police Department were all aware of a prominent Ferguson protestor on campus.
The email goes on to say there was a “threat” that more protestors were coming on November 10.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol had no comment on what was said in Wolfe’s email.
Major Brian Weimer with MUPD said the department usually doesn’t discuss about its specific intell. Chief Doug Scwhwandt declined further comment.
CPD Chief Ken Burton said, “The Columbia Police Department was made aware via intelligence sources that people who were significantly involved in the Ferguson, Missouri protests may be coming to Columbia to participate in the protests on the MU campus. We were also made aware that additional protesters may be coming to Columbia from outside Boone County in order to participate in the events on the MU campus. This information was provided in order to help us prepare to support the MUPD and the MSHP should they require our assistance. “
FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton told ABC 17 News the FBI provided limited support to local law enforcement in November, to ensure open lines of communication should any type of civil rights violations occur.
ABC 17 News also reached out to Concerned Student 1950 by email, but had not heard back as of Wednesday night.