Multiple colleges receiving threats, Atlanta HBCUs targeted

ATLANTA - Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities were placed on lockdown on September 11th after receiving threats.

Clark Atlanta University placed on lockdown

What we know:

Clark Atlanta University issued a shelter-in-place order Thursday as campus police and the Atlanta Police Department investigated threats made to the campus.

In a statement, the university said the precautionary measure was taken to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. Officials did not provide details about the nature of the threats.

"We are currently addressing a situation on campus that requires a shelter-in-place notice as a precautionary measure," the university said. "We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the campus community. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our priority is the safety of all students, faculty and staff."

No injuries were reported, and police have not announced any arrests. The investigation remains ongoing.

Spelman College posted on Instagram that threats have been received by "several HBCUs." Spelman says that no threats have been directed towards their campus at this time, but they have increased security across the campus and at their two main entrances. They are also asking students to shelter in place. 

Atlanta HBCUs on high alert

What they're saying:

Campus officials said the threat appeared to be false, but the response was real as Atlanta police, campus security and SWAT teams scoured the campus. Nearby Spelman College and Morris Brown College also sheltered in place as a precaution.

"I was in class, you know, being a scholar like I usually am. And then they say, look, I just get an email, shelter in place, I’m like, what?" one student said. Another described the fear of the moment, saying, "I have really bad anxiety, so I started shaking. I got scared. I called my mom and my daddy, everybody."

Students reported seeing helicopters circling overhead and officers surrounding the area. "I used to see this in movies, I don’t see this in real life, so it’s like, I hear helicopters run, I can see helicopters, I see SWAT teams, I see police, it’s just like, what’s going on, like is this real life?" one student said.

"There’s been a lot of HBCUs that have been under threat recently, and it just happens to be that one of them is Clark Atlanta. First of all, none of them should be under threat anytime," one person said.

What's next:

So far, no arrests have been announced as the investigation continues.

Threats outside of Georgia

What they're saying:

Threats are also being reported outside of Georgia.

Southern University in Louisiana also placed its campus on lockdown after receiving a potential threat. 

USA Today is reporting that Alabama State University, Hampton University in Virginia and Virginia State University were also placed on lockdown. 

Dig deeper:

There is a history of threats to HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) over the last few years. 

In 2022, more than 50 HBCUs and approximately 20 PBIs (predominantly Black institutions) threats were received either through anonymous phone calls or via social media. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security became heavily involved and invested millions of dollars into helping universities and others respond to bomb threats.