Police respond to multiple bomb threats at HBCUs

At least six historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) received bomb threats Monday morning, leading to campus lockdowns and police investigations.

Bowie State University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany State University, Howard University and Delaware State University all reportedly received bomb threats Monday morning, according to multiple news outlets and university statements.

Howard University, in Washington, D.C., reportedly received a bomb threat at around 4:35 a.m., according to a security alert sent by the university. Police are investigating the area surrounding the administration building. 

A Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson confirmed that the “scene has been cleared with no hazardous materials found,” according to CNN.

However, other universities remain in lockdown or closure due to the threats.

Maryland’s Bowie State University sent an alert on Twitter Monday morning notifying the temporary closure of its campus due to a bomb threat.

“Emergency personnel are evaluating the situation,” the university wrote.

Bethune Cookman University’s lockdown was also confirmed on Twitter by Daytona Beach Police, saying that the department will release information “once we can.”

Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., also suspended operations Monday due to a bomb threat on campus.

“Classes have been canceled and students are to remain in their dorm rooms until an all-clear is issued,” the university wrote on Twitter.

Albany State University in a statement said it received a bomb threat to the academic buildings and that law enforcement was currently investigating the situation. The university’s campus in Albany, Ga., was also closed until an all-clear message has been sent. 

Monday marked the second time this month that multiple HBCUs, including Howard University, have received bomb threats that led to campus lockdowns and student and faculty relocations.