The community at Iowa State University (ISU) is reeling after authorities arrested a man who allegedly planned a mass shooting at the school’s upcoming commencement ceremony. Tanner Bandy, a 28-year-old man from Nevada, is facing multiple criminal charges, including five counts of harassment and one count of stalking while in possession of a dangerous weapon.
He was arrested after a months-long campaign of intimidation that culminated in specific, chilling threats directed not just at a university employee, but at the broader university community.
The incident has shocked both the ISU student body and faculty, especially in light of the recent wave of threats and violence targeted at educational institutions across the country.
While police now say there is no immediate threat to the school, the disturbing nature of Bandy’s threats and his apparent preparation to follow through with them has prompted an increase in campus security measures ahead of the May 16 commencement ceremony.
A Timeline of Harassment and Escalating Threats
According to court documents, Bandy first began harassing the female Iowa State University employee in October. He reportedly left threatening voicemails at her residence and other locations he knew she frequented.
His threats were explicit and violent. One of his voicemail messages included the chilling statement, “If I see you anywhere in … Ames I’m going to shoot you between the … eyes.” These threats continued over several months and became more aggressive over time.
In April, the situation escalated dramatically. Bandy sent the woman a message that included a specific time, date, and location where he said he would kill her.
According to reports from the Ames Tribune and KCCI, Bandy made it clear that his intentions extended beyond just the employee—he allegedly planned to “shoot her and as many people as he can” during the school’s graduation ceremony.
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In another message to an unnamed individual, he reportedly wrote that he was looking forward to “May 16,” the date listed for Iowa State University’s commencement for graduate and veterinary students.
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Authorities later uncovered messages where Bandy said he was going to find a NATO AR-15 and “cut down people at this [expletive] commencement ceremony.” These threats were taken seriously by Iowa State University Police, who conducted a search of Bandy’s belongings and discovered firearms and ammunition. The presence of weapons, combined with his detailed threats, signaled a credible and dangerous intent to carry out mass violence.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Safety
The Iowa State University Police Department, working in coordination with other local agencies, acted swiftly once the threats were reported.
The female employee who had been the target of Bandy’s ongoing harassment contacted the ISU police on Wednesday. Within a day, officers arrested Bandy and began an investigation that led to the seizure of guns and ammunition from his possessions.
Authorities have emphasized that the threat has been neutralized, and there is currently no ongoing danger to the campus community. Nevertheless, the university is taking no chances.
Officials have announced that security will be significantly heightened for the May 16 commencement event. This includes increased police presence, bag checks, and restricted access to certain areas of the campus during the ceremony.
Bandy is not affiliated with Iowa State University and has no known connection to any students or faculty beyond the victim of his threats. Despite this, the situation has raised questions about campus safety and the potential for targeted violence by individuals outside of the university community. The fact that a non-student was able to conduct months of harassment and come so close to a potentially deadly act has alarmed many.
Bandy is currently being held on a $200,000 bond. His first court hearing is scheduled for April 28. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence that includes threatening messages, voicemails, and the weapons discovered during the police search.
Campus Reaction and Broader Implications
Students and faculty at Iowa State University have responded to the arrest with a mixture of relief and concern. Many expressed gratitude that law enforcement intervened before the situation turned deadly, but the event has also cast a shadow over what should be a time of celebration for the university community. Commencement is typically a joyful occasion for students and their families, and the thought that it could have been the site of mass violence has left many shaken.
University administrators have also addressed the incident, acknowledging the seriousness of the threat and emphasizing the steps being taken to protect everyone on campus. Counseling services have been made available to those affected by the news, and ISU has promised ongoing communication with students and parents in the lead-up to the graduation ceremony.
Beyond the immediate concerns at ISU, this case underscores broader issues facing educational institutions across the U.S. The threat of mass shootings, particularly in schools and universities, remains a persistent problem. Law enforcement agencies and school administrators are increasingly challenged to identify and intervene in potential threats before violence occurs.
This incident also raises questions about mental health, gun access, and the role of digital communication in perpetuating threats. While Bandy is now in custody, the trajectory of his actions—from voicemails to detailed plans of violence—mirrors a disturbing pattern seen in other cases of targeted harassment that escalate into threats against public gatherings.
As more information emerges about Bandy’s motives and background, many will be looking for answers to how someone with no formal ties to a university could become so fixated on an employee, and how such threats might be detected earlier in the future.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the commencement ceremony proceeds safely. Law enforcement has reassured the public that every precaution is being taken, and that there will be a visible and proactive security presence on the day of the event. Students, faculty, and families are being encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and prioritize their safety while celebrating this important milestone.
The arrest of Tanner Bandy has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public institutions to targeted violence. Thanks to the swift action of law enforcement and the courage of the woman who reported the threats, a potential tragedy may have been averted. As Iowa State University prepares to celebrate its graduating class, it does so with heightened awareness and a renewed commitment to the safety of its community.