New Wave of Bomb Threats Force HBCUs Howard University Bowie State Bethune-Cookman Into Lockdown

At least half a dozen black colleges historically suffered a new wave of bomb threats Monday morning, forcing closures and cancellations of classes across the country.

Targeted schools include Albany State University in Georgia, Florida’s Bethune-Cookman University, Bowie State University in Maryland, Delaware State University, Southern and A&M Universities in Louisiana, and Howard University in Washington, DC

“Due to a bomb threat on campus, BSU will be temporarily closing today January 31, 2022,” Bowie State University posted on its website. Twitter page. “Emergency personnel are assessing the situation. All persons on campus are advised to stay in place until further information is available. Employees will work virtual. Classes will be virtual. Please observe the BSU website for ongoing updates. ”

Based on Fox 5Bowie University officials say an explosive alert threat has been placed in a building on campus. Together with university governing bodies, Maryland State and County Sheriff has opened an investigation into the threat.

Staff at Albany State University released a statement early Monday saying the school had also received a bomb threat and police were investigating.

“At this time, all university facilities, classes and activities are canceled until further notice,” statement read. “Staff and students at work should not report to campus at this time. … Rest assured that we are working with the authorities to thoroughly investigate this threat. ”

The Bethune-Cookman lockdown was lifted at 9 a.m., but the school canceled classes for the rest of Monday. Daytona Beach Police said any signs of a bomb threat had been cleared, but they were still asking people to stay off campus.

“We will have a heavy police presence on campus for the rest of the day,” the police said on Twitter. “We will also restrict any movement on the Bethune-Cookman campus. Officers will be stationed at entry/exit points on campus. ”

This is the second time in less than a month in history that Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) have been the focus of bomb threats. Follow The Washington Post. By the next day, all threats had been cleared, but the Black cultural center at the University of Utah received a bomb threat the following week, Salt Lake Tribune reported.

“For those commuting to work and home from school, travel Bison safely!” Howard University Police Post on Twitter on Monday. “#Staysafe #bisonsafe #howardionary #howarduniversity #hbcu.”

“Another Bomb Threat craze for our beloved HBCUs,” Howard alumna Alta Cannaday wrote on Facebook. “Education is power! We won’t be able to move!”

As of early Monday afternoon, no injuries have been reported at any college or university.