McALLEN — A South Texas College student who admitted to have made a threat to “shoot up the school” was arrested Tuesday by campus police and is facing terroristic threat charges.

The college was notified by the FBI about the social media post, according to a news release sent by STC on Tuesday. Once contacted by the college, the student, Aldahir Ledezma, 19, admitted to posting the statement on social media and said it was only a joke. But due to the nature of the posting, an arrest warrant was obtained by STC police and the student was taken into custody.

“The safety of students and staff at South Texas College is our top priority,” STC Police Chief Paul Varville stated in the release. “Threats of this nature will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

The arrest took place around noon Tuesday, said STC Police Department Lt. Ruben Suarez, which came after Ledezma was contacted in person by campus police and admitted to the post.

“Everything was done quickly,” Suarez said. “We take these types of calls very serious… we investigated thoroughly, quickly, prepared the complaint, got the warrant and the arrest was made at around noon today.”

The next step is for the student to be transferred to the McAllen Municipal Court to be arraigned, at which point a bond will be sent. This could happen anytime Tuesday, Suarez said.

When it comes to his status at STC the college, Ledezma has been placed under suspension for now and the college will review his future status.

“Interim suspension has been imposed while an investigation is conducted,” a news release sent by the college states. “The student will have an administrative hearing once the investigation is complete to determine his status at South Texas College.”

The college is urging students to notify authorities of any suspicious activity by calling (956) 872-2589 or (956) 872-4444.