Ominous threats have swept across five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), forcing four campuses into lockdown just a day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University.
Alabama State University shut down operations Thursday morning citing a “terrorist threat,” while Hampton University, Virginia State University, Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, and Florida’s Bethune-Cookman University also reported threats.
Virginia State, Southern, and Bethune-Cookman placed their campuses on lockdown, and Hampton canceled all classes and activities through Friday, urging students to limit movement. Alabama State confirmed it is working with law enforcement to ensure safety.
The nature of the threats remains unclear, though each institution stressed that student and staff security is their top priority. Evacuations are underway at Hampton and other campuses, with classes and activities suspended across the affected schools.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the HBCU threats are directly connected to the shooting of Kirk in Utah. Rev. Sharpton, Founder and President of National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement as several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are on lockdown amid ongoing threats. News of the threats comes a day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered during an appearance at a Utah college. Rev. Sharpton and NAN denounced Kirk’s killing, as the organization has steadfastly condemned all forms of violence, whether driven by hate, political motivation, or other motives.
“National Action Network is monitoring the ongoing threats to Alabama State, Virginia State and Hampton University. We have seen too much violence on our campuses, whether it was the brazen murder of Charlie Kirk yesterday or the threats against these HBCUs today. Colleges and Universities should be a place of free expression and debate in a way that’s respectful, engaging, and productive. What we have seen the last two days is anything but that. HBCUs have seen their fair share of attacks in recent years, including the 2023 incident at Edward Waters University and the 2024 shooting at Tuskegee University.
Political violence or acts of hate get us nowhere. We can march, we can debate, but we cannot cause physical harm to those we disagree with. As someone who was stabbed leading a non-violent protest 34 years ago, I know this too well. It’s why I condemned the shooting of Donald Trump last year, the murder of Charlie Kirk yesterday, and the threats to HBCUs today. I plan to add additional members to my security detail due to increased threats.”