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Bomb and active shooter threat at Northern Illinois University was not credible
There had been no evacuation of students and staff, but police indicated there would be a significant presence in the area.
Update as of 11:25 a.m. – Northern Illinois University Police and Public Safety, with support from state and federal authorities, has determined that the threat received this morning is not credible. Additional colleges and universities have reported receiving similar messages today and within the past week. All classes and campus activities can proceed as scheduled.
Update as of 9:10 a.m. – This morning, faculty and staff at NIU’s College of Business received an anonymous email warning of impending violence today.
The sender requested a significant police presence, aiming to attract international attention.
Additionally, another university outside Illinois received a similar message today. NIU is treating the threat seriously and conducting an investigation.
Similar anonymous emails have targeted multiple universities nationwide over the past year, intending to prompt a SWAT team response, disrupt operations, and instill fear.
Classes are proceeding as scheduled today unless otherwise directed by faculty. The university advises all students and employees to take precautions during this tense situation and make use of available resources such as the Center for Student Assistance, Counseling and Consultation Services, or the Employee Well-being program.
Original Report:
Northern Illinois University Police alerted students and staff of an unverified bomb and active shooter threat Monday morning through an email distributed to students, faculty, and staff.
The campus received notification about the threat targeting Barsema Hall, a classroom building for the business college, around 8 a.m.
As of 8:20 a.m., there had been no evacuation of students and staff, but police indicated there would be a significant presence in the area.
Additionally, police cautioned against handling suspicious packages, backpacks, or boxes and urged the community not to contact 911 for updates.
Instead, updates will be communicated through university social media channels and email.
