CHICAGO – The University of Chicago closed its campus today after a threat to kill up to 16 white male students or faculty in retaliation for the police shooting of a black teen.
The University was informed by FBI counterterrorism officials on Sunday that an unknown individual posted an online threat of gun violence against the University of Chicago, specifically mentioning “the campus quad” on Monday morning at 10 AM. News outlets then began to report that a threat was specifically directed toward 16 white male students and / or faculty.
Based on the FBI’s assessment of this threat and recent tragic events at other campuses across the country, the university decided in consultation with federal and local law enforcement officials, to exercise caution by canceling all classes and activities. All non-medical faculty, students and non-essential staff were asked not to come to the Hyde Park campus on Monday, or to remain indoors as much as possible if they are on campus.
Monday afternoon, the University of Chicago received confirmation from the FBI that an individual is in custody in connection with the threat against the University. Classes and events remained canceled for Monday. The individual’s name was not released.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the campus closure was in response to an online threat to kill 16 white male students or staff in retaliation for the shooting of Laquan McDonald, a 17-year-old male who was shot 16 times by a police officer who has since been charged with murder.
