Multiple HBCUs Receive Bomb Threats Leading to Lockdowns, Evacuations

HBCUs

By Alyssa Wilson Published: January 5, 2022

Multiple HBCUs Receive Bomb Threats Leading to Lockdowns, Evacuations

In Summary

At least eight HBCUs in various states received bomb threats forcing lockdowns and evacuations to the campus.

Several historically Black colleges and universities across the country were evacuated or placed on lockdown after receiving bomb threats on Tuesday.

According to The Washington Post, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Norfolk University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University and Xavier University of Louisiana are the schools that reported the threats.

Florida Memorial University takes matters of this nature seriously. The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors is the university's main priority.

Campus security will continue to work with all involved agencies as the investigation remains ongoing. pic.twitter.com/Qbqb2h3FIT
— Florida Memorial University (@FLMemorialUniv) January 5, 2022

All clear. Howard’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and MPD responded to a potential bomb threat on campus this afternoon. The perimeter was secured and searched. No active devices were found and the area has been cleared.
— Howard University (@HowardU) January 4, 2022

NSU Police Dept. completed investigation of a bomb threat received Tuesday evening and issued an “All Clear.” Students have been secured in a hotel and dorms remain closed until 8 AM Wednesday. NSU Police and authorities secured campus. For emergencies, call NSU at 757-823-9000. pic.twitter.com/Przq4fOzA0
— Norfolk State University (@Norfolkstate) January 5, 2022

On Wednesday, Spelman College also reported a bomb threat.

On Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, the Department of Public Safety at Spelman and the Atlanta Police Department responded to a potential bomb threat in the Manley College Center. After a thorough search, no devices were found and the building was secured. APD is actively investigating. pic.twitter.com/BtkD9q0zvc
— Spelman College (@SpelmanCollege) January 5, 2022

No explosions occurred on any of the campuses and no bombs were found. Local law enforcement near the institutions were alerted, and it remains unclear whether the threats were connected or racially motivated.

News of the threats quickly began circulating on social media with many wondering if it was a coordinated effort.

We got bomb threats, rising covid cases and they STILL THINK ITS A GOOD IDEA TO BE IN PERSON?!
— Na💛 (@nadixama) January 5, 2022

Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country received bomb threats today:
Prairie View A&M
North Carolina Central
Howard University
Norfolk State
Xavier University
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Florida Memorial University
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 5, 2022

A bunch of HBCUs across the country are all getting bomb threats at the exact same time? Sounds organized.
— tamia. (@xmiabia) January 4, 2022

These bomb threats at 4 different HBCUs in 4 different locations at the same time seems…real KKKordinated.
— Booker G. Washington (@TendentiousG) January 4, 2022

So far six HBCUs have reported bomb threats:
NCCU
UAPB
Prairie View
Xavier
Howard
Norfolk State
I need some answers because WE don’t do this. This is clear-adjacent activity🥴 #nccu #nccubombthreat
— Amanda Chambers (@achamberssays) January 5, 2022

This comes after Cornell University, Columbia University and Brown University experienced similar bomb threats on their campuses in Nov. 2021.

This is a developing story.