Officials said Pino, an associate history professor, is also accused of trying to recruit students to join ISIS and has been watched by the FBI since 2014.

Pino told Kent State Student media that he does not sympathize with ISIS, and has never discussed the group in class.

"I've not broken the law. I don't advocate that anyone else break the law, so I'll stand by that statement. I fulfill my duties as an American citizen by speaking out on issues that some people find controversial, of course, but no, I have not violated any U.S. laws that I am aware of," Pino said.

A statement issued by the university Tuesday said they are cooperating with the investigation:

“Kent State is fully cooperating with the FBI and its ongoing investigation. KSU will have no further comments at this time. The FBI has assured that there are no threats to the KSU campus.”

Kent State University President Beverly Warren took to Twitter early Wednesday to assure students of their safety.

About the Author

Featured

Members of the conversion crew take a break as the main scoreboard is lowered to the floor to be worked on as the arena gets ready for the next concert at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Atlanta. The crew was working on creating a stage for the Friday, Oct. 3 Maxwell concert. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com