im extremely stumped and i need serious advice

[jeff23]

I have a problem at work that I don't know exactly how to deal with. A co worker of mine the other day mentioned that if he were ever fired that he would come back and kill everyone in the building. He actually referenced the Arizona massacre and said he'd make that guy look like nothing. I know that people say things sometimes as jokes but I don't feel like it's something that should be joked about. None of my co workers that heard it really thought much of it (8 people heard this) or took it seriously. I havent been able to sleep ever since. Maybe I'm over reacting but I can't stop thinking about every news report I see after some kind of crazy shooting where they interview people that knew the shooter and they all say that they saw signs or that the guy said threatening things but nobody ever thought he'd actually do anything. Well I don't want to be that guy. But I also don't want to be the target because I got him fired or arrested for something he said. Should I contact my comparies HR or report him to the police??
Dazed and confused and in need of advice,
ME

[SANE-A30]

I might be the wrong person to answer this but I have ALWAYS went with my first gut reaction, I think you already know what you want to do but just need confirmation.....good luck!

[Citicop]

Jeff-

Welcome to RP. Asking a question in one area is more than enough to get you the answers you are looking for; cross posting is considered bad form.

-Citicop.

[jeff23]

okay. im new to this whole thing and dont really get how it works. sorry

[jeff23]

that really doesnt help me. I need to hear it from someone. What would you do??

[icu650]

Is the person threatening to kill everyone in a position where he may loose his job soon? If the answer is yes, then by all means let you superiors know about it and bring witnesses , dates and times. Let the superiors make a decision as to affording adequate protection if in the event he is fired. The boss might make a police report which could lead to some background work on this person. Background could show that this subject has a propensity for violence or it might show just the opposite. This should be done in a very quiet manner and away from others not directly involved in hearing his statements.

[DeltaV]

Reporting it to HR is about the only thing you can do that will result in anything happening. There's no need to call the police because he hasn't broken any law.

[BP348]

Reporting it to HR is about the only thing you can do that will result in anything happening. There's no need to call the police because he hasn't broken any law.

this ^ +1. You can tell the HR department what you heard and then its up to them from there.