Multiple Historically Black Colleges on Lockdown After Receiving Threats

Rob Ostermaier/The Daily Press via AP

At least three Historically Black Colleges and Universities received threats Thursday, resulting in two immediate lockdowns and the cancellation of classes for the rest of the week.

On Thursday morning, Alabama State University released a statement announcing the campus would be locked down due to a “terroristic threat.” The statement, obtained by WSFA 12 News, did not go into specifics on the threat itself.

“We are working in close coordination with the appropriate law enforcement agencies to assess the situation and to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community, a spokesperson told WSFA 12 News. “The safety of our Hornet family is our highest priority.”

That morning, two Virginia HBCUs also received potential threats.

Virginia State University released its own statement informing that the campus had been locked down “out of an abundance of caution.” Hampton University, on the other hand, did not impose a lockdown but canceled “all non-essential activity” for the remainder of the week.

“All non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, should evacuate campus immediately,” the statement read. “Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus.”

The threats came less than 24 hours after political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.