SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Police believe a University of San Diego professor accused of making threats against fellow professors may have a gun in his possession.
Last week, 10News reported on the ordeal unfolding inside USD's Theology and Religious Studies Department: Fliers circulating with three pictures of professors, labeling them "fascists" and urging boycotts of their classes. Versions of the flier with gun cross-hairs were slipped under those professors' doors.
10News has learned two of those professors have filed for restraining orders against fellow professor Louis Komjathy, now suspended by the school.
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San Diego Police filed for their own gun violence restraining order to take away any weapons, a request granted by a judge citing "credible information" Komjathy owns one or more firearms, ammunition or magazines.
In the restraining order petition, officers say when they asked him about owning a gun, he said, "I do not. Search my apartment and my car if you want."
Meanwhile, there are new details about Komjathy's motive for the fliers. Komjathy had been passed over for a promotion, and in the police interview, he reportedly said, "It was supposed to be symbolic representation of having a target on their backs and being singled out. I did not mean to infer violence on anyone ..."
The possibility of an actual gun is once again sparking lingering questions raised at a recent student protest, concerns the school didn't notify students in time. The university releasing an email about the fliers about a week after they were first discovered.
A spokesperson with the school reissued the following statement: "Our commitment to protecting employee privacy restricts our ability to share further details of an incident that clearly violates university policy and is antithetical to our mission and values. Please rest assured that we take every step to ensure the safety and well-being of our campus community. The University does not tolerate conduct of this nature and is responding with the seriousness that this situation warrants. We have offered and continue to offer assistance and support services to those who felt they needed it. Counseling and other support services are available to all members of the USD community."
10News reached out to police to find out if any weapons were turned over and are waiting to hear back.
