Arrested Radnor student meant poem to be private, lawyer says

The attorney for a Radnor High School senior arrested in connection with a video that contained a poem with violent imagery said Friday that his client never threatened anyone.

Arthur T. Donato Jr., a Media lawyer, said Zaidee S. Harrison, 18, of Wayne, did not send anything to a public or school official, faculty member, or any other public employee.

Donato said she posted on her best friend's Facebook page a video of herself reciting the poem. Her friend was not threatened by the poem or its images, Donato said.

"Apparently, someone saw it on her friend's Facebook page, and that person sent it to the Radnor High School administration," Donato said, adding that he did not know the sender's identity.

Donato said he believed Harrison drafted the poem as a writing experiment and meant to share it with her friend, whom he did not identify. "She and her brother were just sitting around writing poems and getting things to rhyme," Donato said. "Her father took a look at it and said, 'Make sure you don't publish that.' "

Donato said the poem, which came to the attention of school officials three days before graduation, was not directed at any individual or at the school generally.

"She is a very well-adjusted person who created a poem that she shared with a friend. The First Amendment protects artistic works such as this one," Donato said.

The high school senior was arrested Sunday at her home by Radnor police after principal Mark Schellenger told investigators about the poem, which contains images including a firearm.

Because of the school's anti-violence policy, Radnor police had to be notified, Donato said. On Monday, officers formally charged Harrison with making terroristic threats. She was released on $20,000 unsecured bail after a hearing, and ordered not to go near Radnor High School.

Police investigator Shawn Dietrich said Friday he had no comment on the case, and referred a caller to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office. Its spokeswoman, Erica Parham, said that the affidavit of probable cause containing the charges "stands for itself."

"She will have an opportunity for a preliminary hearing, and the case will be handed accordingly," Parham said.

Radnor schools spokeswoman Lisa Williamson could not be reached for comment.

As a result of the police matter, Harrison was not at Radnor's graduation ceremony on Wednesday.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, the poem reads in part:

"Cold metal in my hands / I am at school, / I'll shoot you down, / You stupid fool."

It goes on to talk about starting a fire with gasoline.

"The smell arises from the floors to the ceiling, / The gasoline is spreading, / I love this feeling."

Donato said, “This is nothing compared to what these kids are listening to today.”