‘Hoax threats’ against HBCUs on Thursday, FBI says

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC/NEXSTAR) – Several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were locked down Thursday after reports of campus safety threats — though these would turn out to be “hoaxes,” according to the FBI, the situations caused major disruptions.

Those schools were Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia; Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida; Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, and Alabama State University in Montgomery.

Students and faculty were alerted to the threats on Thursday morning. Some of the lockdowns had been lifted by mid-afternoon after schools were cleared by law enforcement officials.

A spokesperson for Virginia State University told Nexstar’s WRIC that its closure was “due to a potential threat.” Hampton University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Southern University and A&M College used the same language, alerting of a “potential threat” received by the schools.

On Thursday evening, the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office said that it had not discovered any information that the threats were credible, with the office calling them “hoax threats,” as reported by Nexstar’s WAVY.

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) said he was “outraged and deeply disturbed” by the threats directed toward the HBCUs.

“These reprehensible acts are not only an attack on institutions of higher learning — they are an attack on our history, our culture, and the promise of opportunity that HBCUs represent for generations of students,” Carter said.

He also called on the “full weight of the federal government” to join in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible.

“These attacks cannot be tolerated, minimized, or ignored. They must be met with swift and decisive action,” Carter said.

Classes and campus activities at all of the schools were canceled Thursday. Hampton University and Southern University and A&M College extended the cancellations through Friday.

“Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus,” read a notice posted by Hampton University. “It is imperative that all members of the Hampton University community remain vigilant.”