A university in Ohio has announced the cancellation of campus activities on Sunday and an increase in police presence on campus following a shooting threat.
“Wittenberg University is taking extreme precautions after receiving an email threatening a potential shooting on campus tomorrow, Sunday, September 15, 2024. The threat was directed towards Haitian members of our community,” the university, located in Springfield, informed students in an alert.
In the statement, Wittenberg Police stated they are working with the Springfield Police Division and the FBI to investigate the threat.
Students, faculty, and staff are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Those on or near campus should be prepared for further instructions or a lockdown.
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Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, is canceling campus activities and increasing police presence following a threat against Haitians. (Wittenberg University)
All Sunday campus activities have been called off.
“University administration acknowledges the recent surge in threats to local government, businesses, and schools in Springfield. We are taking this threat seriously and will update the campus as more information becomes available,” the university stated.
The university is taking “extreme precautions” after an email threatened a shooting targeting members of the Haitian community on campus. (iStock)
The alert comes amid heightened national attention on Springfield and its Haitian migrants from former President Trump, his running mate Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio, and others.
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The university shared several safety tips for students and visitors to the campus in the alert.
“Always be aware of your surroundings when on campus or in the community. Secure your room door when sleeping or studying. Report any suspicious activities or individuals to campus police promptly, even outside residence halls. Be cautious of unfamiliar individuals at gatherings in your residence and notify Wittenberg Police for assistance. Do not allow unauthorized entry into secure areas,” the notice emphasized.
The notice also stated: “Threats against our campus community are not tolerated. We encourage reporting any crimes to law enforcement.”
Springfield Police will step up patrols on campus this Sunday. (iStock)
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If anyone notices suspicious behavior, they are encouraged to contact the Wittenberg Police Division immediately at the emergency line 937-327-6363. The non-emergency line is 937-327-6231.
With a population of around 60,000, Springfield’s Haitian community has grown in recent years. The city notes that Haitian migrants are in the country legally under a federal temporary program.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
