UConn Bomb Threat Deemed Not Credible [Updated]

A bomb threat targeting the admission's building at UConn set off a tense situation at the Storrs campus Thursday morning that ended more than three hours later without incident.

The threat came in the form of a call made at approximately 9:22 a.m. on April 3, by an individual who said there was a bomb at the Tasker Building, according to the University.

"Within minutes, the Tasker Building was evacuated and a campus alert was issued," a statement from UConn stated. "As the UConn Police continued the emergency response, further investigation revealed that the threat may have involved a firearm. In response, an additional alert was issued advising the campus to shelter in place."

At that time, UConn sent out an alert that stated: "If you are in or near this building, evacuate now. All other locations on campus, shelter in place. Do not make independent decision to evacuate." 

"Shelter in place means to take immediate shelter where you are — in your dorm room, current classroom, etc. — until further notice," the university tweeted.

Based on a sweep of the building and the subsequent investigation into the call, UConn Police determined the threat was not credible. Other agencies assisted in the investigation, including the deployment of bomb detection and removal equipment from the Connecticut State Police.

The university resumed normal operations as soon as it was determined to be safe — shortly before 11:40 a.m. And classes resumed at 12:30 p.m.

"Campus safety is our first priority, and all threats are taken seriously," the university said. "Police are continuing to investigate, and anyone with information about the threat should contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800."

To stay informed of campus alerts, sign up for UConn Emergency Notifications at http://alert.uconn.edu


What follows is a record of Patch's updated report as the situation developed:

Update 11:40 a.m.:

UConn announced minutes ago that the shelter in place at its Storrs campus has been lifted.

The Tasker Building remains closed while authorities continue to investigate a reported bomb threat.

Classes will resume at 12:30 p.m. and all other campus areas are clear and can resume as normal, the university reports.

Update 11:06 a.m.:

UConn just announced:

"10:50am Update: Please remain inside until receiving all-clear. All classes beginning at 12:30 p.m./later will resume as scheduled. Next update 11:30 a.m."


Original article, 10:27 a.m.:

The University of Connecticut is on alert this morning after a bomb threat was made on the admission's building on its Storrs campus.

The threat was made at about 9:30 a.m. on the Tasker Building, according to the university.

"If you are in or near this building, evacuate now," a note from the university reads. "All other locations on campus, shelter in place. Do not make independent decision to evacuate." 

"Shelter in place means to take immediate shelter where you are — in your dorm room, current classroom, etc. — until further notice," the university tweeted.

All faculty, staff and students who are travelling to Storrs campus or plan to travel to campus, are advised to stay off campus at this time until further direction is provided.