Coordinated Racist Death Threats Force HBCUs into Emergency Lockdowns

Black students across the US received coordinated racist death threats, forcing at least seven historically Black colleges into emergency lockdowns, just a day after far-right activist Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University. The threatening manifestos, which contained graphic threats of gun violence, specifically targeted Black students, citing their presence as taking away from a "safe space" for white people. University administrators faced criticism for their slow response, with some waiting over six hours to inform students of the threats.

Key Takeaways:

• At least seven historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) went on lockdown, including Alabama State University, Virginia State University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Southern University and A&M College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Bethune-Cookman University.
• The threatening manifestos contained "extremely graphic threats of gun violence" and specifically targeted Black students, citing their presence as taking away from a "safe space" for white people.
• University administrators faced criticism for their slow response, with some waiting over six hours to inform students of the threats.
• The FBI launched an investigation into the threats, with the agency stating that it takes these threats "very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk."
• Most of the affected universities have since lifted their lockdowns but maintained enhanced security measures and canceled classes through the weekend.
• HBCUs have previously been targets of violent threats, with a 2022 FBI investigation into similar incidents resulting in an individual being charged with making dozens of racist threats targeting HBCUs.

Statistics:

• 7 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) went on lockdown in response to coordinated racist death threats.
• 6 hours: the amount of time some university administrators waited to inform students of the threats.
• 1: the day after far-right activist Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University, when the threatening manifestos were sent to HBCUs.
• 2022: the year a similar FBI investigation was launched into violent threats targeting HBCUs.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• Virginia State University's president, Makola M Abdullah
• Alabama State University's president, Quinton T Ross Jr
• Hampton University's statement
• The FBI's statement