Bomb Threat Closes NC's Elizabeth City State University Friday

ELIZABETH CITY, NC — Elizabeth City State University students were allowed to return to campus Friday afternoon after they were evacuated hours earlier due to a bomb threat, according to a tweet from the college.

Just after 3 p.m. Friday, Elizabeth City State University officials announced via Twitter that it was safe for students to return to residence halls. They were asked to continue sheltering in place while authorities finish their investigation.

Officials with the historically Black university confirmed the bomb threat shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday.

"ECSU received a bomb threat. Students and employees should LEAVE CAMPUS IMMEDIATELY," the tweet read.

A message from campus police said they are working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the threat, The Daily Advance reported. University staff was also advised to go home and monitor texts and emails for updates.

Friday's threat against Elizabeth City State University is the latest in a string of bomb threats aimed at historically Black colleges and universities.

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More than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities received threats earlier this month, prompting lockdowns and disrupting classes for two consecutive days. In early January, eight HBCUs received similar threats that triggered lockdowns and evacuations.

A similar threat also prompted students and staff at Norfolk State University to shelter in place for nearly three hours Friday.

Authorities haven't found bombs or explosive devices in any of the HBCU incidents.

University of North Carolina President Peter Hans released a statement Friday addressing the violence meant to "divide and intimidate" historically black colleges.

"Over the course of our history, Black Americans have far too often faced violence and intimidation for daring to learn and study. The recent bomb scares are a reminder of that painful past and of the barriers that many of our students still face on the path to higher education," Hans said. "We will not be intimidated by these threats."

Elizabeth City State University is a historically Black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It enrolls nearly 2,500 students.