At least six historically Black colleges and universities received bomb threats early Monday morning.
Howard University and Bowie State University were among the HBCUs targeted. Southern University and A&M College, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany State University and Delaware State University have also threats.
In a statement, the FBI said it 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.” In response to the threats, Classes were canceled at several colleges, and students were told to remain in their dorm rooms until an all-clear was issued.
University operations were also suspended until further notice.
Howard University police issued an all-clear less than two hours after a bomb threat—which was made at approximately 4:35 a.m. According to CNN, D.C. police reported that the “scene had been cleared with no hazardous materials found.”
Bowie State University confirmed on Twitter that it would be closed Monday because of a bomb threat and said: “emergency personnel are evaluating the situation.” The school advised anyone on campus to shelter in place until further notice and said classes would be held online.
In a statement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said it is “aware of bomb threats received by some Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We take all potential threats seriously and we regularly work with our law enforcement partners to determine the threat credibility.”
This is not the first time universities have received bomb threats this year.
Earlier this month, at least eight HBCUs received threats. Nothing was found on any of the campuses that received threats, university officials said.
