UNCF SVP Comments to Washington Post Regarding HBCU Bomb Threats

Building on Tuskegee University campus

Today, UNCF Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs Lodriguez Murray is quoted in a Washington Post story about the FBI announcement that a juvenile was identified as the person allegedly responsible for a majority of the threats of violence targeting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this year.

Murray told the Post, “We’re pleased that the FBI has brought someone to justice. This does not make up for the terror that has been caused on our campuses and the impacts on our students’ operations, classes and most importantly mental health.”

Since January 2022, more than 50 HBCUs, houses of worship, and other faith-based and academic institutions across the country have received racially motivated threats of violence.

The investigation of these threats led to the identification of several minors believed to be responsible for the first set of threats made between January 4 and February 1, 2022. Further FBI investigation identified one juvenile believed to be responsible for these threats.

Given the federal limitations for charging under-age perpetrators with federal crimes, the U.S. Department of Justice worked with state prosecutors to hold them accountable on charges unrelated to the specific threats to the HBCUs. This individual is under restrictions and monitoring of his online activities.

Because of the subject’s age, no additional information can be provided.

The FBI is continuing to investigate additional unrelated threats that appear to have originated overseas:

  • A distinct set of threats primarily targeting HBCUs received between February 8 and March 2, affecting at least 19 institutions.
  • A distinct set of threats which began June 7 and are ongoing. More than 250 colleges—including seven HBCUs—over 100 high schools, and two junior high schools received bomb and/or active shooter threats.

The FBI is working with local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners to pursue those responsible for these threats and is asking anyone with information to report it to 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Hate-fueled and racist threats of violence cause the victim’s real distress. These threats disrupt the learning environment and the education of college students, as well as other citizens. The FBI stated in a press release that it will “not tolerate anyone trying to instill fear in any community, especially one that has experienced violence and threats of violence historically.” The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue anyone responsible for these ongoing threats with help from law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local levels.