A 29-year-old student at St. Cloud State University has been charged after allegedly threatening violence against members of a campus fraternity that declined his bid for membership.
According to court filings in Stearns County, Romello Edward Lloyd faces two counts of threats of violence and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from an incident in which campus public safety officials were alerted to statements allegedly made about carrying out a shooting at a fraternity house.
Investigators say the situation came to light when a student reported that Lloyd confronted him inside a campus skyway. During the encounter, Lloyd allegedly asked whether the student had arranged for someone to “jump” him weeks earlier. Lloyd reportedly claimed he had been assaulted three weeks prior and believed members of the fraternity that rejected him were responsible.
The student, who is affiliated with the fraternity in question, told authorities that Lloyd made alarming statements, including that he would shoot whoever he believed was behind the alleged attack. According to the complaint, Lloyd allegedly warned that he was “dangerous” and expressed a desire to kill the person he suspected had orchestrated the assault. The student also reported that Lloyd had previously mentioned owning firearms, including a rifle and a handgun.
In addition, investigators say Lloyd allegedly referenced playing “Squid Games” at a stoplight near the fraternity residence, implying he could shoot anyone who moved. Authorities described these remarks as serious and credible enough to warrant immediate intervention.
Law enforcement officers located Lloyd while he was attending class on campus. During their contact with him, officers reportedly discovered a loaded handgun and an additional magazine inside his backpack. The complaint further states that replica firearms and a knife were also found among his belongings.
Lloyd has denied making any threats related to shooting anyone.
Court records indicate that Lloyd has previously been found incompetent to stand trial multiple times in Hennepin County in connection with stalking-related charges. Those past findings may play a role in how the current case proceeds through the judicial system.
University officials addressed the incident in a message to students, emphasizing that the firearm was not being openly displayed at the time of the arrest. The university president noted that had the weapon been visibly brandished, an immediate campus-wide alert would have been issued. Officials stated that once the alleged threats were reported and verified, the student was quickly located, contained, arrested, and formally trespassed from campus property.
The university also reiterated its commitment to campus safety, stating that it works closely with law enforcement to respond swiftly to potential threats. Classes and campus operations continued without disruption following the arrest.
The case remains under investigation as Lloyd awaits further court proceedings.
