The firm representing University student and “ninja” Jeremiah Ransom issued a letter Tuesday to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives asking for a public apology.

Ransom was apprehended by ATF agents April 11 as he ran from the Wesley Foundation to Snelling Dining Hall dressed as a ninja.

Paul Knott, Ransom’s lawyer, wrote that his client understood why he was detained and searched under the circumstances.

However, Ransom took issue with the “unnecessary and abusive” behavior the agents exhibited toward him after he complied with their demands, Knott wrote.

Ransom received medical treatment on campus, which revealed a bruise on his back, Knott wrote in the letter.

In a telephone interview, Knott said he was unsure of whether an apology would be issued.

“I suspect they will be reluctant to say anything publicly,” he said.

The bureau doesn’t want to admit liability, he added.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Vanessa McLemore was unavailable for comment as of press time.

Ransom has not decided what legal action he would pursue if an apology is not given, Knott said.

“If an apology were issued, “that would be the end of it,” he said.

- Brian Hughes