Cornell University was among several Ivy League schools who received bomb threats over the weekend.
Specifically, they came on Sunday, and while no threat was actually found at the impacted schools – the higher education community was rattled by the news.
Cornell, Brown, and Columbia were all among those who received bomb threats on Sunday. The string of threats led to campus evacuations and increased law enforcement presence.
By late-afternoon Cornell University said law enforcement completed a search of campus and found no credible threats.
CornellALERT: Law enforcement has concluded search of the Ithaca campus; no credible threats were found. It is safe to resume all normal activities.
— Cornell University (@Cornell) November 8, 2021
Vice President for University Relations Joel Malina issued a lengthy statement after the incident on Sunday.
“We are relieved to report that this threat appears to have been a hoax. A cruel hoax; but, thankfully, just a hoax. The University has now resumed its normal operations,” the statement read. “CUPD was assisted throughout the incident by the Ithaca Police Department, the Tompkins County Sherriff’s Office, Cortland Police Department, SUNY Cortland Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New York State Police. We greatly appreciate all police and staff members, as well as Cornell Emergency Services personnel, the Ithaca Fire Department and Bang’s Ambulance, who responded to this potential crisis.”
Malina said that as Cornell investigated the threat, they learned that other universities were receiving similar ones. Cornell expects to work closely with other universities and law enforcement agencies to investigate where they originated.
“Cornell will work closely with local, state, and federal investigators pursuing links among these threats of campus violence,” the statement continued. “Situations like these are frightening and stressful. We urge all students, faculty and staff to utilize campus resources if you would like to talk about today’s events. We are also mindful of the worry experienced by the extended campus community of parents and friends, as well as by our neighbors throughout the greater Ithaca community. We thank everyone for keeping calm and heeding warnings during this challenging and uncertain situation.”
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