FBI identifies a suspect behind most bomb threats to dozens of HBCUs

The FBI released the following update on threats targeting HBCUs and has announced that a single minor youth is the main suspect in most racially motivated bomb threats to dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities earlier this year that terrorized students.

Update on Threats Targeting Historically Black Schools

The investigation of racially motivated threats of violence targeting historically Black colleges and universities has identified one juvenile believed to be responsible for a majority of the threats and the Department of Justice has worked with state prosecutors to hold the minor accountable.

Since January 2022, more than 50 HBCUs, houses of worship, and other faith-based and academic institutions across the country have received racially motivated threats of violence.

The investigation of these threats led to the identification of several minors believed to be responsible for the first set of threats made between January 4 and February 1, 2022. Further FBI investigation identified one juvenile believed to be responsible for these threats.

Given the federal limitations for charging under-age perpetrators with federal crimes, the Department of Justice worked with state prosecutors to hold them accountable on charges unrelated to the specific threats to the HBCUs. This individual is under restrictions and monitoring of his online activities.

Because of the subject’s age, no additional information can be provided.

The FBI is continuing to investigate additional unrelated threats that appear to have originated overseas:

• A distinct set of threats primarily targeting HBCUs received between February 8 and March 2, affecting at least 19 institutions.
• A distinct set of threats which began June 7 and are ongoing. More than 250 colleges—including seven HBCUs—over 100 high schools, and two junior high schools received bomb and/or active shooter threats.
  
  

The FBI is working with our local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners to pursue those responsible for these threats, and we are asking anyone with information to report it to 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Hate-fueled and racist threats of violence cause the victims real distress. These threats disrupt the learning environment and the education of college students, as well as other citizens. The FBI will not tolerate anyone trying to instill fear in any community, especially one that has experienced violence and threats of violence historically. The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue anyone responsible for these ongoing threats with help from our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels.

Department of Education giving grants to HBCUs that received bomb threats

The Department of Education on Thursday is announcing grants for two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have received bomb threats this year.

The Department will award $420,000 in Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) funds to Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss., and $80,000 to Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C.

“As Secretary of Education, I want to make it abundantly clear that the Biden-Harris administration will not tolerate bomb threats or any efforts to terrorize students of color and everyone who lives, works, and studies at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

“The bomb threats made against HBCUs earlier this year not only strained institutions’ resources by prompting costly campus lockdowns, class cancellations, and law enforcement activities, but shattered students’ sense of safety and heightened anxiety throughout these campus communities,” Cardona added.

The grant money is targeted for the universities to support student trauma recovery programs, adding security officers, and expanding their mental health support.

In a press release, the Department of Education said it will announce more Project SERV grants following the Tougaloo and Fayetteville grants, and a $133,000 grant to Southern Law University Law Center last month.

According to the Department of Education, more than 50 HBCUs – out of 101 total – have received racially motivated bomb threats this year.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Grants for HBCUs that Have Experienced Bomb Threats

Vice President Kamala Harris announced Wednesday new initiatives that will help historically Black colleges and universities that have received anonymous bomb threats in recent months.

Watch that announcement below.

The help will come in the form of grants that could range from $50,000-$150,000 per school to be used to support emergency planning, campus security and mental health services. HBCUs that have recently experienced a bomb threat resulting in a disruption to the campus learning environment will be eligible for grant funds.

These grant funds are from the Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) program at the U.S. Dept. of Education.

In addition to the short-term funds provided through Project SERV, the Biden-Harris Administration is providing HBCUs a compendium of resources that are available across the federal government – from ED, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice – to help with long-term improvements to campus mental health programs, campus safety, and emergency management planning and response. The resource guide offers a centralized source of information on grant programs and technical assistance activities across federal agencies.

FBI investigating bomb threats at HBCUs

Federal authorities said they are investigating numerous bomb threats at Carolina-based historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

In a statement to NBC affiliate WRAL, FBI spokesperson Shelley Lynch confirmed that the Bureau is investigating these new cases at Fayetteville State University and at Clafin University located in North and South Carolina, respectively.

"The FBI takes all threats seriously, and we are committed to thoroughly and aggressively investigating these threats. We would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious or have information about potential threats to report it to law enforcement immediately, call 1-800-CALL FBI or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov," Lynch said in a statement.

HBCU panel meets about recent threats to campuses

Presidents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) met to address student concerns and questions.

Rep. Bennie Thompson calls on to investigate bomb threats to HBCUs

More than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities reported bomb threats Tuesday, marking the second consecutive day of threats at HBCUs nationwide and prompting calls for federal law enforcement to investigate amid campus lockdowns.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said the threats warrant a full investigation, and he said he was working with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security as well as with leaders of the HBCUs "to get them the answers they deserve."

In a statement to USA TODAY, the FBI said it was investigating.

"The FBI is aware of the series of bomb threats around the country and we are working with our law enforcement partners to address any potential threats," the statement said. "As always, we would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious to report it to law enforcement immediately."

HBCU's to report new threats Tuesday were Kentucky State University in Frankfort; Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans; Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Valley State University in Georgia; Spelman College, in Atlanta; Coppin State University in Baltimore; Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi; Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi; the University of the District of Columbia, Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Jackson State University in Mississippi.

7 Historically Black Colleges and Universities receive bomb threats

At least seven historically Black colleges and universities received bomb threats Tuesday, school officials said, triggering abrupt evacuations of students and employees.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University in Texas, and Xavier University of Louisiana reported bomb threats. No explosions occurred.

The schools ordered evacuations or lockdowns and alerted local law enforcement.

"Although the threat was unfounded we ask that everyone remains vigilant," a statement from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff said, adding that the full student body hadn't yet returned from the holiday break but those who were there were relocated off campus.

Pine Bluff officials said their school received a threat about 5:15 p.m. Shortly after that, North Carolina Central University police received a call regarding a bomb threat on campus. The five other schools didn't immediately disclose the timing of their threats, though they said the messages had arrived during the afternoon or evening.

It was not immediately clear whether the threats were connected or whether they were racially motivated. By early Wednesday, all of the schools had released all-clear notices to their communities.

[SOURCE: SFGATE]