The University of Central Florida sent an email to students Thursday afternoon to share that the school received threatening messages that “directly targeted” Black students.
The email, shared with Orlando Weekly Thursday, does not detail the threats received, but says UCF’s police department is actively investigating the threats along with the FBI.
At the time the email was sent, UCF says, it did not consider the threats to be credible.
The email was sent to students at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, just hours after UCFPD first announced a threat was made via social media just after 1 p.m.
Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities said Thursday they received threats and went under lockdown. Among the schools was Daytona Beach, Florida’s Bethune-Cookman College, which has since lifted its lockdown.
“UCFPD is aware of a recent threat directed at UCF, and similar messages have been reported at other universities around the country,” the X post reads.
The email to students goes on to say that “threats of violence like this seek to create fear and division, and they have no place at UCF. But let us be clear: Violence and threats of violence are never tolerated.”
Officials say that although they deem the threats not credible, the university is taking them seriously and will increase police presence on campuses.
If students see or hear something concerning, the message continues, they are advised to call 911 immediately.
The message comes a day after the on-campus fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Kirk was shot dead while speaking to an outdoor crowd on campus Sept. 10 during his latest tour, dubbed “The American Comeback.” He was speaking about gun violence when he was struck in the neck.
Kirk’s career as a political commentator has long been based on strong opposition to gun control, among other far-right conservative ideals.
This is a developing post.
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