South Jordan Man Arrested for BYU Bomb Threat

Alexander Patrick Farmer, 23, claimed bombs were placed in every BYU classroom as an 'April Fool's joke'.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small electronic device, such as a detonator or a circuit board, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of false bomb threats has sparked concerns about the serious legal consequences and public safety risks of such hoaxes, even when intended as pranks.South Jordan Today

A 23-year-old South Jordan man was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony of threat of terrorism after posting videos on social media claiming he had placed bombs in every BYU classroom set to ignite at an undisclosed time. Police say the suspect, Alexander Patrick Farmer, discussed plans for the 'April Fool's joke' involving a false bomb threat or active shooter claim weeks prior to the incident.

Why it matters

Authorities take any threats of mass violence extremely seriously, especially those involving educational institutions, as they can cause widespread fear, disruption, and require a significant emergency response. This case highlights the legal consequences individuals can face for making false claims about bombs or other threats, even if intended as a prank.

The details

On April 1, BYU Police received reports that Farmer had posted videos on Instagram and Facebook claiming he had placed bombs in every BYU classroom set to detonate at an undisclosed time. Police confirmed the videos and identified Farmer as the suspect. Further investigation revealed Farmer had discussed plans weeks earlier to make an 'April Fool's joke' in the form of a terrorist threat, either a bomb threat to shut down airport terminals or a false active shooter claim.

  • On April 1, 2026, Farmer posted the videos claiming he had placed bombs in BYU classrooms.
  • On March 19, 2026, Farmer discussed plans to make an 'April Fool's joke' involving a terrorist threat.

The players

Alexander Patrick Farmer

A 23-year-old South Jordan resident who was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony of threat of terrorism for posting videos claiming he had placed bombs in BYU classrooms.

BYU Police

The law enforcement agency that received reports of Farmer's social media posts, confirmed the videos, and arrested him.

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What they’re saying

“I HAVE HAD BOMBS PLACED ON EVERY BYU CLASSROOM. SET TO IGNITE AT AN UNDISCLOSED TIME. CLASS IS CANCELED.”

— Alexander Patrick Farmer

What’s next

Farmer was booked into Utah County Jail on the threat of terrorism charge. The case is still under investigation, and no further details about a potential court date or bail hearing have been released.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious legal consequences individuals can face for making false claims about bombs, active shooters, or other threats of mass violence, even if intended as a prank. Authorities take these types of threats extremely seriously due to the potential for widespread fear, disruption, and emergency response.