Multiple universities in the United States have been placed on lockdown following the receipt of threatening messages. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) took precautionary measures today after unspecified threats were directed at them. Among the institutions affected were Southern University, Hampton University, Alabama State University, and Virginia State University, all either implementing lockdown procedures or cancelling on-campus activities.
Virginia State University issued an urgent alert early in the morning, prompting a campus shutdown and instructing students and faculty to monitor their emails. University officials cited a potential threat as the reason for the closure, advising students to remain indoors for safety.
Alabama State University also confirmed the reception of terrorist threats, leading to a campus shutdown. University authorities stated their collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the university community.
Hampton University announced the cancellation of all campus events and classes for two consecutive days, encouraging remote participation in meetings for the campus community.
HBCUs were established in the United States before the implementation of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 to provide education opportunities for African Americans facing discrimination in higher education institutions.
The threats made to these universities come in the aftermath of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing figure fatally shot at an event in Utah. The incident was witnessed by thousands, with widespread sharing of videos capturing the shooting and its aftermath. Public figures, including President Donald Trump, condemned the act and called for an end to political violence.
Political violence incidents have been recurrent in the United States, with recent cases including the deaths of two Democratic Minnesota congressmen. Additionally, former President Trump has survived several assassination attempts, sustaining injuries in one incident last year.
The FBI has released images of a person of interest in the Kirk assassination case and announced a substantial reward of $100,000 for any relevant information leading to the apprehension of the suspect.