Six historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) reported bomb threats on Monday, cancelling classes for thousands of students.
It was the second time this month that HBCUs faced simultaneous threats.
Earlier in January, at least eight HBCUs reported bomb threats. All reported “all-clears” later the same day, the Washington Post reported.
It was unclear if the threats on Monday were connected to the earlier threats.
According to school officials, threats were sent on Monday to Howard University in Washington DC; Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida; Southern University and A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Albany State University in Albany, Georgia; Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland; and Delaware State University in Dover.
At least five schools remained on lockdown as local law enforcement worked to investigate the threats, according to CNN.
Howard issued an all-clear for its campus less than two hours after the threats were reported at 4.35am, reported the Washington Post.
Daytona Beach police announced via Twitter that the Bethune-Cookman campus had been cleared but classes remained cancelled and the public should avoid the campus unless necessary.
In a statement, the FBI said it was “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 co-chairs of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, Alma Adams of North Carolina and French Hill of Arkansas, said: “We are deeply disturbed by a second round of bomb threats at HBCU campuses within a month.
“Learning is one of the most noble and most human pursuits, and schools are sacred places that should always be free from terror. Solving these crimes and bringing those responsible to justice should be a top priority for federal law enforcement.”
