Bomb Threats Investigated; Baltimore Campuses Reopen

BALTIMORE, MD — Two universities in Baltimore reopened their campuses after receiving bomb threats Tuesday. They are among a handful of historically Black colleges and universities that have received threats in the past two days.

Morgan State University closed its campus and took instruction online while a bomb threat was investigated, according to authorities. Everyone on campus Tuesday morning was advised to shelter in place. Employees were directed to telework, and students were to attend classes remotely.

After 2 p.m., Morgan State reported "no suspicious items" were discovered "following a thorough and exhaustive sweep of the campus and its buildings, including all residential facilities on and off site." Remote instruction would continue Tuesday, but access to on-campus buildings would be limited for the rest of the day, officials said.

Morgan State University will resume normal operations on Wednesday, officials said.

Coppin State University also handled what officials called a "campus emergency" Tuesday. Those on campus were told to shelter in place, classes went online and employees were told to telework.

After 1:30 p.m., university officials said the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and campus safety personnel gave the all-clear at Coppin State, where classes were to resume as usual at 5 p.m.

"No evidence of a bomb or any other explosive device was found," Coppin State University President Anthony Jenkins said in a statement.

The threats Tuesday came one day after Bowie State University received a bomb threat. Investigators swept the Bowie campus and deemed the threat non-credible on Monday.

At least six historically Black colleges and universities on Monday received bomb threats, according to NPR, including Howard University in D.C. and Delaware State University.

"Morgan is one of the most historical and consequential universities in the nation. Our history has been one where we have endured all kinds of challenges and disruptions, but we have always emerged stronger," Morgan State University President David Wilson said in a statement Tuesday. "I’m hopeful that these bomb threats to our National Treasure, and to many of our other sister HBCU institutions, will be aggressively investigated by the FBI."