Delaware universities on high alert after threat of violence
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have sent out a warning of a threat of violence against “a university near Philadelphia” for Monday, October 5th.
In an email, the FBI stated, “Out of an abundance of caution, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office notified local colleges and universities of a social media posting which threatened violence at a Philadelphia-area college or university for Monday, October 5. No specific college or university was identified in the posting. We encourage students, faculty, and employees at area colleges and universities to follow the guidance of their campus security officials. The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate threats of violence, and, as always, we ask the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
In response, schools around the Philadelphia area have responded by alerting students there would be increased police presence on Monday.
The University of Delaware released a statement saying:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have alerted universities in the region that an unspecified threat of violence has been made online against “a university near Philadelphia,” stating that an action could take place at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5.
While no specific threat has been made to the University of Delaware, UD Police are acting out of an abundance of caution and are taking this matter seriously. UD Police are monitoring the situation closely, and police patrols will be increased at UD on Monday.
Members of the University community are advised to be alert and to report anything unusual to UD Police at 302-831-2222.
On Sunday evening, Delaware State University in Dover posted on its facebook page:
Please be advised that the FBI issued a warning to all Philadelphia area colleges and universities about a recent social media posting, threatening violence at a Philadelphia area college or university on Monday, October, 5th 2015.
The Delaware State University Police ask all students, staff, and faculty to be alert and report any suspicious activities to the Police Department at (302) 857-7911.
Wilmington University has also posted a safety alert on its website, that reads:
On Sunday, October, 4th, the FBI issued a warning to all Philadelphia area colleges and universities about a recent social media posting, threatening violence at a Philadelphia area college or university on Monday, October, 5th 2015. This threat is not specific to any college or university.
As always, students should be alert and report any suspicious activities by calling 911 and University Safety.
Brandywine: 302-293-7427
New Castle: 302-325-3333
Wilson Graduate Center: 302-420-8378
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