NC State Grad Threat: Security Ramps Up

0:00It's April 29th. Welcome to Durham News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. A man named Luke Hoover is locked up after allegedly threatening to shoot the Duke Energy CEO right at North Carolina State's big commencement on May 9th. That's when over 7,400 students will grab their diplomas at Carter Finley Stadium. He's spacing charges for communicating a threat of mass violence on school grounds. Earlier this week, Hoover showed up in court and swore he's not violent, saying it's just not his style, but the judge wasn't buying it. He's stuck in jail on a $150,000 bond. Turns out he's got no ties to NC State, not a student or anything. Folks are on edge with graduation season hitting, especially after threats like this pop-up. The university's stressing that keeping everyone safe, grads, families, the whole crowd is their top job, no question. Securities wrapping up, though they won't spill all the details. Backbag checks at the gate, clear bags, or small purses only, and no big stuff like

1:02backpacks. Similar rules are in place at Duke and UNC graduations too, banning weapons, booze, and anything sketchy. With Hoover still behind bars, NC State plans to roll out the ceremony scheduled, eyes wide open on safety, to make sure it's a smooth celebration for all.