Bomb Threats Force HBCUs into Lockdown, Class Cancellations

Monday, several HBCUs were forced to cancel classes and go into lockdown after receiving bomb threats.

Six HBCUs including, Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Howard University and Southern University all reported threats. NPR reports that most of them had issued all-clears and lifted lockdown orders by early afternoon Eastern time.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday afternoon that the President is aware of the latest HBCU bomb threats calling them “disturbing.”

“I will say that these are certainly disturbing,” Psaki told reporters. “And the White House is in touch with interagency partners, including federal law enforcement leadership on this.”

“The President is aware. I don’t believe he’s received a formal briefing, but he is aware of these reports,” she added.

The FBI also said earlier Monday that it is aware of the bomb threats and working with local law enforcement.

“The FBI is aware of the series of bomb threats around the country and we are working with our law enforcement partners to address any potential threats,” the bureau said in a statement. “As always, we would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious to report it to law enforcement immediately.”

This is the second time this month HBCUs have received bomb threats. Back on Jan. 5, at least three HBCUs received such threats.