UPDATE 2/2, 6:40 p.m. ET: Six juveniles who have been labeled as being “tech savvy” have been identified as persons of interest by the FBI in connection to a series of bomb threats that were issued to several historically Black colleges and universities, NBC News reports.
“The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces are leading the investigation into the nationwide series of bomb threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and houses of worship,” the agency said in a statement. “This investigation is of the highest priority for the Bureau and involves more than 20 FBI field offices across the country. These threats are being investigated as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes. We are working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners; coordinating with the targeted institutions; and meeting with academia and faith leaders to share information.”
See original story below.
Multiple historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have again reported bomb threats, with several responding with the decision to postpone classes.
As reported by CNN and others, at least nine HBCUs reported bomb threats on Tuesday, marking the second day in a row of such threats targeting historically Black institutions. Howard University in Washington, D.C. was among those that also received threats on Monday.
In a public statement shared Tuesday morning, Howard—which was also among those reported to have received threats in early January—said an “all clear” had been issued following local authorities’ investigation into a bomb threat that was made at approximately 2:55 a.m. local time. “The shelter-in-place directive has been lifted,” a university rep added.
Other HBCUs that reported bomb threats on Tuesday (which marks the first day of Black History Month) include Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Xavier University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Spelman College, and the University of the District of Columbia.
On Monday, per the Associated Press, schools in at least five different states were the subject of bomb threats.
“The impetus for such a threat cannot be ascribed to anything other than the most primitive form of racism, a form which is neither new nor unique in this country,” Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, said in a Delaware Public Media-shared letter to students on Monday.
Speaking amid reports of Monday’s bomb threats, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that President Biden was aware of the situation, adding that the administration has been “in touch” with multiple authorities. “I will say that these are certainly disturbing,” Psaki said of the reports, as seen in the video above. The FBI is also aware, with a spokesperson noting that “all potential threats” are taken seriously.
In a separate statement to USA Today on Tuesday, an FBI rep confirmed they are working with multiple law enforcement agencies in response to the threats. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity, the rep added, is encouraged to notify local authorities.
