15 HBCU Schools that Received Bomb Threats Around the Country

According to the FBI, 57 HBCUs in total have received bomb threats throughout the year

Photo: Getty Images Drew Angerer

This was a scary year for HBCU colleges around the country, as so many were threatened with bombs. Starting on Jan. 31st, six schools were initially targeted. However, according to The Tennessean, the FBI claimed 57 HBCUs received threats so far this year. While people of interest have been have been identified, no arrests have been made so far in the ongoing investigations. Here’s a list of a few popular historically black colleges and universities that received threats.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Here’s 100 years of the Best Black Dandyism Heading Into Met Gala 2025

Howard University

A sign welcomes visitors to Howard University in Washington, DC, on February 1, 2022. – Authorities are investigating bomb threats against UDC, Howard University, and Morgan State University. This is the second day in a row that historically Black colleges and universities across the US were targeted by similar threats. Photo: Getty Images MANDEL NGAN

The day before the start of Black History Month, Howard University received its first bomb threat. Since then, seven more bomb threats have been called into the Washington D.C. HBCU, targeting different areas of the campus.

Fisk University

Jubilee Hall on the Fisk University campus, Nashville Tennessee Photo: Shutterstock KennStilger47

On Feb. 14th, Nashville’s Fisk University had to close down after a series of threats were called in at 9 a.m in the morning. Students received alerts shortly afterward instructing them to shelter in place.

The University of The District of Columbia

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) in Washington, DC, on February 1, 2022. – Authorities are investigating bomb threats made against UDC, Howard University, and Morgan State University. This is the second day in a row that historically Black colleges and universities across the US were targeted by similar threats. Photo: Getty Images MANDEL NGAN

On February 1st, the University of DC received a series of bomb threats The university later tweeted that the campus and local police issued an “all clear” and that everybody was safe.

Jackson State University

Photo: Jackson State University

Jackson State University tweeted that on Feb. 1st, they received a bomb threat early in the morning. Local police later swept the campus and found no evidence of there being a bomb on campus, thankfully.

Kentucky State University

Photo: Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University issued a statement on Feb. 1st after receiving a bomb threat saying, “Law enforcement officials have completed an investigation of the bomb threat that Kentucky State University received earlier this morning. University Police, and local and state law enforcement agencies searched all campus facilities and issued an all-clear. The shelter-in-place is lifted, and it is now safe to return to campus.”

Spelman College

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 31: A view of a billboard truck at Spelman College for #ALLINFORVOTING Get Out The Vote Billboard Campaign on October 31, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia Photo: Getty Images Marcus Ingram

Spelman College has received three bomb threats starting at the beginning of February, according to CNN. The latest one, on Feb. 8th, resulted in canceled classes and a four-hour lockdown.

Fort Valley State University

Photo: Courtesy of Communications Department, College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs, Fort Valley State University

After Fort Valley State University received a bomb threat on Feb. 1st, campus police completed their investigation of what happened and said it was safe for students to go back to class.

Edward Waters College

Photo: Edward Waters College

After they received a bomb threat on Feb. 1st, Edward Waters College tweeted an update saying, “all in-person activities, classes, and operations, including all meetings and athletic practices, are canceled until further notice.” Local authorities are still investigating the bomb threat on campus.

Tougaloo College

Photo: Tougaloo College

Tougaloo College in Mississippi received a bomb threat on Feb. 1st and stated, “Due to today’s bomb threat, the campus will operate virtually (February 1st). Although the campus has been cleared, for safety precautions, there will be no in-person classes/activities, and employees and students should not commute to the campus.”

Xavier University of Lousiana

New Orleans, Louisiana – February 9, 2020: Xavier University Catholic HBC golden seal and campus Photo: Shutterstock University of College

Xavier University of Louisiana tweeted on Feb. 1st that local law enforcement was investigating a bomb threat. They cleared the campus during the morning, and classes will continue on campus this afternoon.

Arkansas Baptist College

Photo: Arkansas Baptist College

Arkansas Baptist College received a bomb threat on Feb. 1st, along with adjacent HBCU Philander Smith College. The caller claims they were a “neo-nazi,” according to CBS 11. Police could not trace the call or find bombs on campus.

Coppin State University

Photo: Coppin State University

Coppin State University also received a bomb threat on Feb. 1st. Campus police investigated it, and no evidence of a bomb was found. The university tweeted that they received an “all-clear” status, and classes resumed that day.

Mississippi Valley State University

Photo: Mississippi Valley State University

Mississippi Valley State University announced on Twitter on Feb. 1st that the campus has been cleared by University police along with local police because of a bomb threat. Classes were offered on a virtual basis.

Morgan State University

Photo: Morgan State University

Morgan State University tweeted a campus alert On Feb. 1st, saying, “Following a thorough and exhaustive sweep of the campus and its buildings, including all residential facilities on and off-site, no suspicious items were discovered, and nothing has been deemed as being out of place.” As a result, the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and people can be on campus.

Rust College

Photo: Rust College

One of Missississippi’s oldest HBCUs, Rust College, also received a bomb threat on Feb. 1st. The campus was then put into a shelter-in-place and canceled classes until the following day. Police searched the campus and found no devices.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
These Black Leading Men Aren't Just Paving the Way, They're Building New Roads

These Black Leading Men Aren’t Just Paving the Way, They’re Building New Roads

After Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Oscar wins last weekend, we’re looking at more Black men who are leading in their respective fields …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …