The University of Chicago has shut down its campus after learning of an anonymous online threat of gun violence said to be planned for Monday.
The school said Sunday that FBI counterterrorism officials informed the school of a threat, specifically of a shooting on “the campus quad” at 10 a.m. Monday.
“Based on the FBI’s assessment of this threat and recent tragic events at other campuses across the country, we have decided in consultation with federal and local law enforcement officials, to exercise caution by canceling all classes and activities on the Hyde Park campus through midnight on Monday,” the school said in a statement.
The school asked students and nonessential staff to stay away from campus. Students in college housing were asked to stay inside.
The decision was met with some criticism online.
“Talk about complete panic. .. right now any one of us could shut down anyplace we want with a simple phone call!!” Facebook user Charles Friscia posted to the University of Chicago’s Facebook article announcing the closing.
But others praised the school’s decision to put safety first.
“I am extremely disappointed in the criticism of this decision without any more information than has been provided,” Facebook user Elizabeth Harding wrote. “We have absolutely no idea what type of threat or the degree of danger involved. This must have been a credible threat to have involved the FBI and their ensuing recommendation.”
Last week, Western Washington University canceled classes at its main campus after social media posts suggesting the lynching of a black student government leader as well as other offensive posts.
School President Bruce Shepard didn’t detail the threats and said there was “no threat to general campus safety,” but said a criminal investigation was underway.