‘Extremely graphic threats: A manifesto targeting Black students forces several colleges into lockdown as the FBI steps in

Black students across the US were targeted this week by coordinated racist death threats, forcing at least seven historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) into emergency lockdowns. This wave of threats occurred just a day after far-right activist Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University.

At New York University, Black students reportedly received a threatening manifesto specifically targeting them. This manifesto was said to contain “extremely graphic threats of gun violence” and stated the author was “coming for only n******,” claiming the number of Black students was taking away from a “safe space” for white people. The NYU Black Student Union criticized university officials for their “lack of transparency,” noting that administrators waited over six hours before informing students that the manifesto specifically targeted Black students.

At least seven HBCUs went on lockdown on Thursday, 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. Virginia State University’s president, Makola M Abdullah, communicated to the campus community, “Today, Virginia State University – along with several other Historically Black Colleges and Universities – received a threat intended to disrupt, intimidate and instill fear in our community.”

Colleges face death threats after Kirk shooting

The university enacted a temporary campus lockdown, which was later lifted with restrictions that limited access to students, faculty, and staff with valid identification. Alabama State University’s president, Quinton T Ross Jr, stated that his school “received a terroristic threat directed at our campus” and immediately suspended operations “out of an abundance of caution.”

The university collaborated with law enforcement while arranging for students to return to residence halls and access meals. Hampton University temporarily halted all non-essential activities and closed all campus activities and classes through Friday, including athletic events. School officials emphasized, “The safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff and visitors remain our highest priority.”

Southern University in Baton Rouge implemented the most extensive lockdown, applying restrictions to the “entire Baton Rouge landmass,” which included the university’s law center, agricultural research and extension center, and laboratory school. Campus activities and classes were canceled through the weekend.

Universities have been in the forefront of the news lately, with Trump battling Harvard for control over free speech and Trump’s weird patent idea, but this is a dark turn, as lives may be at stake.

The FBI stated in a release to the Guardian that it was “aware of hoax threat calls” made to a number of HBCUs, but indicated that there was no information to suggest a credible threat. “The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the federal law enforcement agency added. “We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.”

Most of the affected universities have since lifted their lockdowns, but they have maintained enhanced security measures and canceled classes through the weekend as federal and local law enforcement agencies continue their investigations. While the timing is close to the Kirk shooting, these communities have to face threats like this often.