There’s an unconfirmed bomb threat on campus

The Science Center, Sever Hall, Emerson Hall, and Thayer Hall were all evacuated

Updated


The searches of Emerson, Thayer, Sever Halls and the Science Center have been completed. All buildings are now open.

Restrictions on access to the Yard have been lifted.

Steven Catalano of the HUPD says officers are conducting an “active and ongoing investigation” to find the origin of the threat, which came in by anonymous email.


At 12:23pm this afternoon, the Chief of Harvard’s police department, Steven Catalano, sent out an email announcing an unconfirmed bomb threat.

The Science Center, Sever Hall, Emerson Hall, and Thayer Hall have all been evacuated and are being searched. Police say this will likely take several hours.

Students have been advised to leave the Yard, which has now been closed off.

This just in from Dean for Administration and Finance Leslie Kirwan: “Harvard Yard remains open; however, access is limited to certain gates. You may enter by the Johnson Gate or Widener Gate.

If your office is in any of the buildings being searched, you are advised you may leave work for the day or find an alternative place on campus to work.”

Checked rooms close to the Yard have been marked with a chalk tick.

Executive Vice President of Harvard Katie Lapp confirmed the bomb threat was sent in by email.

She said: “As of this writing, nothing to substantiate the emailed threat has been found.

“Harvard is working with local and federal law enforcement officials to investigate the source of the threat, which has not yet been determined.

“The safety and security of members of the Harvard community is always our top priority.

“In the wake of recent tragic events in locations ranging from Paris to Beirut and beyond, we understand that this type of threat will cause great anxiety for many across our campuses.

“We will continue to be vigilant as we carry on Harvard’s mission of expanding and disseminating knowledge.”

Local schools have canceled classes this morning in response to the threat, which was posted on an anonymous blog and emailed to police.

Cape Cod Community College canceled classes on Monday morning from a threat, and Fitchburg State temporarily evacuated its McKay campus.

Helicopters are circling overheard as K9 units search the Yard.

Steven Catalano from HUPD added: “The four buildings are being searched. We expect this process will likely take several hours.”

Dean of Harvard College Rakesh Khurana spoke to students in Annenberg and is now headed to Lamont.

He said: “The most important thing is our students’ safety.”

The view now from Wigglesworth

Dean of Student Life Stephen Lassonde said: “In light of the unconfirmed bomb threat, the entrances to Harvard Yard have been restricted by HUPD.

“Students, faculty, and members of the Harvard community cannot access the Yard or its buildings till further notice.

“You will not be allowed to re-enter once you have exited the gates.”

Credit: Alex Stevenson for The Tab Harvard

He added: “We are aware of the report of the uncomfirmed bomb threat. We are monitoring the situation and will be in immediate contact with updates.”

HUPD added: “As most of you are now aware, we received an unconfirmed bomb threat affecting the Science Center, as well as Sever, Emerson and Thayer Halls on the Cambridge campus.

“The buildings have been evacuated and law enforcement officials are on scene. Entry to the Yard is restricted.

“We will provide updates as soon as we have additional information.”

Credit: Alex Stevenson for The Tab Harvard

More to follow.

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