Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A former college student has been arrested and charged in connection with a bomb hoax that led to the evacuation of a dormitory at a college in the Southern District of New York. According to federal authorities, Nigel Trenh was taken into custody by the FBI on December 8, 2025, in Los Angeles. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve Kim in California and is scheduled for his initial appearance in White Plains federal court on December 18.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, “As alleged, Nigel Trenh used social media to spread false information about a bomb and active shooter on a college campus, forcing an evacuation of students, family members, and college staff on their move-in day. Hoaxes related to explosives and violence sow fear and panic, and waste limited law enforcement and emergency resources.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia commented, “Nigel Trenh allegedly posted misleading warnings of a bomb and active shooter at his former college, resulting in the full evacuation of a dormitory and first responders rushing to an empty scene. Trenh’s alleged hoax unnecessarily incited fear on one of our local campuses and diverted law enforcement resources from legitimate calls. May this arrest serve as a deterrent to others; the FBI is committed to investigating any individual who cries wolf about mass violence, regardless of where they may be located.”
Court documents allege that Trenh anonymously posted on the social media platform Fizz on August 29, 2025, warning about a bomb in a third-floor restroom of his former college's dormitory and reporting an active shooter on campus. The post prompted students to alert campus security, which then contacted local law enforcement agencies. Multiple agencies responded rapidly, evacuating the dormitory and conducting a sweep with K9 units that determined the threat was unfounded.
The complaint further alleges that this incident was part of ongoing threatening or harassing communications sent by Trenh to personnel at the same institution. These included emails referencing violence on campus and school shootings. Authorities say these messages continued even after Trenh had been questioned by federal officers about the bomb hoax.
Trenh faces charges including maliciously conveying false information involving an explosive—an offense carrying up to ten years in prison—and making false information or hoaxes involving explosives or firearms, which carries up to five years.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: FBI New York Office Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, New York State Police, and FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarlitto is overseeing the prosecution from the White Plains Division. Officials emphasized that all charges are accusations at this stage; Trenh is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
