MS Office of Homeland Security, MBI Investigate Bomb Threats Made to Mississippi’s Historically Black Universities

The Mississippi Office of Home Security and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations are investigating recent bomb threats made to Mississippi’s historically black colleges and universities.

The colleges and universities began receiving telephonic bomb threats on Feb 1. 

These threats follow the same format that other HBCUs across the country have received.

The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security was briefed shortly after the telephonic threats were received and immediately began working with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, local, state and federal partners to secure the campuses, ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff, and investigate the criminal activity.

These calls appear to be related to threats to HBCUs nationwide. Mississippi has currently received six threats to the following institutions:

• Alcorn State University
• Tougaloo College
• Mississippi Valley State University
• Rust College
• Jackson State University
• Hinds Community College

At this time no explosive devices have been found and there does not appear to be any immediate danger on any Mississippi campus related to these telephonic threats.

MOHS will continue to work with our partners in the investigation of these incidents and aid our HBCUs and other educational institutions to ensure that Mississippians are afforded the best protection possible. 

“The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and its agencies take all threats of this nature with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating any potential hate crimes perpetrated against our historically black colleges and universities,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell.

MOHS asks that all Mississippians remain vigilant for the potential copy-cat threats that may occur. If you have any information or require assistance related to these or other threats, immediately notify the MOHS, MBI, and/or your local law enforcement agency.

Staff report