Slippery Rock University conducted a thorough search and sweep of campus following a bomb threat received by university officials this morning.
SRU communication clarified in an email to students that the threat was a suspected swatting attempt, and University police were actively assessing the situation as of 10:31 a.m. Swatting is a false emergency report to create a response from authorities or a SWAT team.
The threat has already been reported to federal agencies.
A second email was sent to students just after noon, issuing an “all clear” alert to campus and residence halls.
“The University will continue its investigation and remain in contact with federal agencies to attempt to identify the source of the threat and will remain hypervigilant in our efforts to protect our community,” SRU communication said in the second email.
The email also instructed students and faculty to contact University Police at 724.738.3333 if they witness anything suspicious.
A third update from SRU communication sent at 4:13 p.m. signed by SRU President Karen Riley reminded students that swatting is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and against federal and state laws.
“If a student is involved in swatting, the University will work closely with campus and local law enforcement to support a full investigation,” The email signed by Riley said.
This threat comes during a wave of hoax calls inciting fear across college campuses nationwide. Threats to the University of Arkansas, Northern Arizona University, Iowa State, Kansas State, the University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of New Hampshire garnered attention from law enforcement just on Aug. 25 according to a report from The Associated Press.
The Rocket will continue to investigate the situation as it develops.
