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VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP) — Police are searching for a Valdosta State University student who they say is armed and dangerous after he dropped a gun on campus.
WAGA-TV (http://bit.ly/1zJ39nq) reports police linked Eric Sheppard to a gun and two clips they found in a backpack Tuesday.
Authorities say Sheppard dropped the backpack before a confrontation with police. They found the weapon after letting him go.
Sheppard has led several recent protests, including one last week where he burned an American flag he felt represented white supremacy. Police say witnesses saw Sheppard threatening people and felt his rhetoric has been more violent since Monday, including possible threats made on social media.
Valdosta State leaders say they didn't stop Sheppard from demonstrating because he was protected under First Amendment rights.
Officials say Sheppard is in hiding.
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Information from: WAGA-TV, http://www.myfoxatlanta.com
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