‘I don’t understand:’ Clark Atlanta University among several HBCUs targeted with threats

Clark Atlanta University was among several HBCUs nationwide that received threats on Thursday.

The university kept students inside for several hours. Because of how close it is, Spelman College did the same despite not receiving any threats itself.

“I was nervous to see that it’s every HBCU. It’s kind of sad,” student Kapril Pitts told Channel 2’s Audrey Washington.

“I heard get down, get down, so I was very shocked and they said, it’s a lockdown in place,” student Isaiah Gordon.

Alabama State University, Hampton University and Virginia State University also received threats.

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”Our priority is the safety of all students, faculty and staff,” a Clark Atlanta spokesperson said in a statement.

“We had to stay in our rooms and classes for two hours. It was ridiculous,” said student Ethan Dorsett.

Washington was there as Atlanta police and Fulton County deputies blocked several streets as they patrolled and cleared the campuses.

The FBI says they take every threat seriously because it puts innocent people at risk.

The FBI is aware of hoax threat calls to a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.

FBI spokesperson

The threats came one day after conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University.

“I think for sure it happened because of the shooting. People just want to do things to cause more ruckus,” Dorsett said.

“I don’t understand why they’re attacking HBCUs,” Pitts said.

No one was hurt at any of the HBCUs that received threats.

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