A former student has been arrested and charged in connection with a bomb hoax that led to the evacuation of a college dormitory in the Southern District of New York. Nigel Trenh, 22, 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 an initial appearance at White Plains federal court on December 18.
According to authorities, Trenh allegedly used social media to post false warnings about a bomb and an active shooter at his former college campus on August 29, 2025. The anonymous message was posted on Fizz, a social media platform, warning of a bomb in the third-floor restroom of a dormitory and an active shooter elsewhere on campus.
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 added: “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.”
After students saw the post early that morning, they reported it to campus security who then contacted local law enforcement. Multiple agencies responded quickly by evacuating the dormitory and conducting a sweep with K9 units; no threat was found.
The complaint alleges that this incident was part of ongoing threatening or harassing communications from Trenh directed toward college personnel—including emails referencing violence or school shootings—even after he had been questioned by federal agents.
Trenh faces charges including maliciously conveying false information involving an explosive (maximum sentence: 10 years) and issuing false information or hoaxes involving explosives or firearms (maximum sentence: five years). Sentencing will be determined by a judge if there is a conviction.
Jay Clayton commended the work of several agencies involved in the investigation: the 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 leading the prosecution for the White Plains Division. The charges are allegations only; Trenh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
