Rumors that gangs were targeting Boise State fraternities, sororities and students circulated across campus in recent weeks as a series of violent house parties raised concerns about gatherings throughout the Treasure Valley.
In a student wide email, Boise State officials said there is currently no evidence the university community is being specifically targeted
Instead, university and Greek life officials have pointed toward a broader trend involving party information spreading through social media and attracting large numbers of people with little or no connection to those hosting events.
“Communities across the country are experiencing a trend commonly described as ‘party takeovers,’ in which information about a gathering spreads through social media and other apps, drawing large numbers of uninvited people,” Boise State wrote in a safety message to students.
The university said the Treasure Valley has experienced gatherings with similar characteristics.
“At this time, there is no information indicating that Boise State, its students, or neighborhoods near campus are being specifically targeted,” the message said.
The warning followed concerns circulating among students on Snapchat and Yik Yak. Some posts claimed gangs were targeting fraternity parties, sorority members and women near campus.
Those claims have not been substantiated by Boise State or the Boise Police Department.
However, concerns about party takeovers have reached Boise State’s Greek community.
In a message sent to members ahead of a football weekend, the Boise State Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council said the Treasure Valley had experienced a “disturbing trend” involving gatherings where large groups arrive at parties despite having little connection to the organizations hosting them.
The councils said a similar situation recently occurred at a fraternity-sanctioned event.
IFC and Panhellenic encouraged chapters to keep event addresses within private groups, limit the distribution of Eventbrite links, monitor guest lists and establish organized check-in procedures.
“Our goal is to make sure chapters can continue hosting events while taking the necessary precautions to protect their members and guests,” the councils wrote.
The warnings come as Boise police investigate multiple violent incidents connected to large house parties.
On Aug. 16, officers responded to a house party on South Gekeler Lane after shots were fired during a fight. Police said a gun was fired into the home’s ceiling and arrested six people on charges including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, riot and unlawful discharge.
Less than a month later, police responded to another large party on North Duncan Lane around 1:30 a.m. Sept. 7. Officers arrived as people fled the gathering and found 20-year-old Casey Rayburn suffering from a stab wound on the home’s front porch. Rayburn died from his injuries.
Boise police later arrested 18-year-old Isaiah Chavez on a second-degree murder charge and 18-year-old Miyah Ford on an aggravated assault charge in connection with Rayburn’s death. Both had already been arrested on charges related to the Aug. 16 Gekeler Lane incident. The charges are allegations and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police said evidence indicates gang activity was a factor in both the Gekeler Lane and Duncan Lane incidents.
“Gang violence and related activity will be addressed to the full extent of the law,” Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison said.
Another fatal party-related incident occurred Aug. 30 at a short-term rental on West Clement Road. Police said a large party was underway when someone drove past the residence and fired multiple shots at the home, killing a woman on the front porch.
Police have not publicly identified gang activity as a factor in the Clement Road shooting, making its relationship to the other incidents unclear.
The distinction is important as concerns continue circulating among students. Police have confirmed gang activity in two recent party incidents, but neither BPD nor Boise State has publicly said gangs are systematically targeting college students, fraternities or sororities.
Boise State’s message instead warned students about the risks created when party locations spread beyond their intended audience. The university encouraged students to avoid publicly sharing gathering locations and leave events if unfamiliar or uninvited people begin arriving.
Boise State also clarified it does not police private off-campus gatherings. Criminal incidents within Boise fall under BPD’s jurisdiction, while the university said its role includes prevention, addressing student misconduct and supporting students affected by violence.
IFC and Panhellenic said they plan to continue working with Boise State, BPD and public safety officials as more information becomes available.
