PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Villanova University is closed on Thursday as the FBI investigates a “threat of violence” made to an academic building.
The school said in an email to students Thursday morning that investigators were “ascertaining the validity of the threat.” Officials said several universities across the U.S. received similar threats.
Nonetheless, Villanova is taking the threat seriously, especially in light of last August’s hoax that prompted a massive law enforcement response.
The first alert went out around 7:20 a.m. The school told students to stay in their dorms, but that order was lifted at 11 a.m.
“We are now aware that even more universities have received a similar threat. Given this information and after law enforcement’s safety assessment, individuals on campus no longer need to remain indoors. It is safe to be out on campus,” read the latest school alert. “All in-person classes and activities are still canceled, and all academic buildings will remain closed.”
The campus was given the all-clear around 1:30 p.m.
Only certain buildings will be open on Thursday due to limited staff. The main dining halls are open for students, as well as the Connelly Center, Falvey Memorial Library and the Student Health Center.
Senior Ava Petrosky is frustrated that her final two semesters at Villanova started with threats of violence. She spent hours locked down back in August when someone called in an active shooter hoax.
“Why does this keep happening? Is there an end?” she asked.
She had a busy day of classes scheduled on Thursday, but they were nixed.
“I was going to be on the go from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and I was really excited about it. I had a lot lined up. That has all been canceled,” she said.
Villanova said there have been no signs of activity posing a danger on campus, but there will be an increased police presence out of an abundance of caution. The FBI is looking into the source of the threat.
The university will resume normal operations on Friday.