Minors Identified As ‘Persons Of Interest’ In HBCU Bomb Threats
Six juveniles described as being “tech-savvy” have been identified as persons of interest by the FBI in threats to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that appear to be racially motivated. More than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities received bomb threats on Tuesday, the first day of Black History Month.
A law enforcement official says the FBI has identified six persons of interest around the country, all juveniles, who are suspected of making the threats. The official says they appear to be using sophisticated methods to try to disguise the source of the threats, which clearly have a racist motivation.
Howard University was among the first to issue a shelter-in-place order early Tuesday, just one day after the school and several other historically Black colleges and universities received similar threats. In addition to Howard, the University of the District of Columbia, also in Washington, D.C., Morgan State University and Coppin State University in Baltimore, Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida, Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi, Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Spelman College in Atlanta, Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, all reported bomb threats, according to school officials and social media posts.
For the second time this month, many HBCUs have received bomb threats. These institutions serve as safe havens for some of the most brilliant Black minds to grow & they should not be subjected to this violence. As a #HBCU alum, I pray for the safety of all students & staff.
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) January 31, 2022
Additional threats were reported at a number of other colleges and universities. No incendiary devices were found and no injuries have been reported. The FBI declined to give specific information about the six juveniles due to the ongoing investigation.
These HBCU bomb threats should not be taken lightly.#EndWhiteSupremacy #StopBlackAmericanHate pic.twitter.com/M3qEV9CobU
— DAP/ADOS TRIBE🇺🇸 (@Black_Action) January 31, 2022
[This is a continuing and developing story, please check back for updates]