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April 18, 2008

Arrest warrant issued for alleged flier poster

Transcript Staff Writer

A Norman man is reportedly causing alarm among students and staff at the University of Oklahoma, after making statements OU will "cease to exist" Monday, April 21.

Robert Lien Anderson, 29, was charged Friday with advocating unlawfulness on school grounds, and a warrant issued for his arrest. Anderson had not been picked up as of 4 p.m. Friday, county officials said.

According to court documents Anderson was observed March 7 posting fliers on the university campus, saying April 21 "all operations at OU Norman will cease."

"As of this date, the free university known as the Happy Nihilist University will begin. Anyone who wants to learn at NHU, will. And all at no charge. Knowledge is power? It will be. OUPD cannot stop us. Mr. Boren is impotent. He will fail, the media can say whatever they like. They too will fail. Amor Fati!"

Police said Anderson also sent an e-mail to OU police, saying: "We would like your cooperation in the transfer of power. No one needs to get hurt."

Police say Anderson's message about the transfer of power and OU ceasing to exist was repeated in a chalking campaign on the OU campus April 2. The messages also made reference to April 21 and "Fear Week."

Police say Anderson's actions have caused "apprehension within the OU community." Students, staff and faculty fear Monday could be a day that has the potential for harm as a result of Anderson's statements, police said.

Anderson allegedly has made similar statements in the past and once was arrested for bursting into the OU president's office. Anderson had to be restrained by OU President Richard Van Horn and staff until police arrived, officials said.

Police said April 21 has significant meaning for Anderson, as it is his birth date, OU President David Boren's birth date and the date on which Anderson was arrested for entering Van Horn's office and damaging state property.

"Robert Anderson has once again stated that events will happen on April 21 and the unversity will cease to exist. The university community is alarmed and anxious about Anderson's actions," police said.

Tom Blakey 366-3540 tblakey@normantranscript.com

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