NEWARK, DELAWARE (10/4/2015) University of Delaware police say the FBI 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.”
The warning stated that an action could take place at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5.
While no specific threat has been made to UD, campus police said in a statement posted on the university website that they 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,” according to the UD statement.
Wilmington University also posted a “safety alert’ on its website concerning the FBI threat warning, saying the threat had been posted recently on social media.
“This threat is not specific to any college or university,” the Wilmington University statement said. “As always, students should be alert and report any suspicious activities by calling 911 and University Safety.” Those numbers are Brandywine, 302-293-7427; New Castle: 302-325-3333; and Wilson Graduate Center, 302-420-8378.
Delaware State University also tweeted about the FBI warning.
FBI warning – violence threatened to Philly area colleges/universities. Be alert and report suspicious activities to Police at 302.857.7911.
— Delaware State Univ (@DelStateUniv) October 5, 2015
Acting UD President Nancy M. Targett sent the following message to the university community late Sunday night:
“The safety of the entire UD community is my top priority. We take all threats seriously. Right now, we are aware of a nonspecific threat to a
Philadelphia area university. We are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
“We are taking appropriate precautions and are increasing patrols by UD Police. We continue to evaluate the situation and will respond accordingly. If we receive any new information, I will update the UD community.
“At this time, the university is operating on its normal schedule.
“We are also asking all members of the community to be alert and to report anything unusual to UD Police at 911 or 302-831-2222.”