FBI: 57 HBCUs, other institutions targeted by bomb threats this year

Fifty-seven historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), houses of worship and other institutions have received bomb threats since early this year, according to a summary provided by the the FBI.

The figure from the bureau, which covers Jan. 4 through Feb. 16, follows a surge in bomb threats made starting Jan. 5, when Howard University and seven other historically Black institutions were targeted. 

By February, 17 different HBCUs had received threats.

“Although at this time no explosive devices related to these threats have been found, the FBI takes all of these threats with the utmost seriousness and will remain vigilant to protect our communities,” the FBI said in its statement. 

“We recognize the fear and disruption this has caused across the country and we will continue our work to make sure people feel safe in their communities, schools, and places of worship.”  

The FBI did not disclose other details about progress in its investigation, which now involves 31 different field offices.

But NBC reported earlier this month that the bureau has since identified six “tech savvy”  juveniles who used complex methods to try and conceal the origin of the threats as persons of interest in the case.

“The bomb threats have been made in phone calls, email, instant messages, and anonymous online posts. FBI agents from multiple field offices are conducting hundreds of interviews and gathering a variety of electronic evidence for analysis,” the FBI said Tuesday.

The Department of Homeland Security also issued a new terrorism advisory bulletin earlier this month warning about the potential for violence against HBCUs as well as religious institutions, pointing to both the bomb threats and a hostage situation at a Texas synagogue.

“We’re seeing a greater level of specificity as it relates to calling for acts of violence or acts of targeted violence against certain elements of our society to include faith-based institutions, institutions of higher learning” and government entities as well as greater specificity in the types of tactics called for, a senior official from the department told reporters when the bulletin was released.