8:20 am – Northern Illinois University Police issued a cautionary alert to students and faculty concerning an unconfirmed bomb and active shooter threat on Monday morning, disseminating the information through email. The threat, centered around Barsema Hall, a key building for the business college, was brought to the campus’s attention at approximately 8 a.m. Despite the alert, evacuation procedures had not been initiated by 8:20 a.m., although law enforcement assured a heightened presence in the area. Authorities advised against handling suspicious items such as packages, backpacks, or boxes and urged the community to refrain from dialing 911 for updates, opting instead for communication via university social media channels and email.
*Update as of 9:10 a.m. on Feb. 26th: Faculty and staff of NIU’s College of Business received an anonymous email this morning indicating there would be an act of violence committed today, where the emailer requested a large police response in hopes of gaining international news. We are also aware that another university outside of Illinois received the exact same message today.
NIU takes any form of threat seriously and is currently investigating. Within the past year, multiple other universities across the nation have received similar emails from anonymous sources hoping to draw a SWAT team response, cause disruption, and strike fear.
Classes remain as scheduled today unless otherwise indicated by faculty. The university encourages all students and employees to take care during this stressful situation and utilize resources such as the Center for Student Assistance, Counseling, and Consultation Services, or the Employee Well-being program.
*Update as of 11:25 a.m. on Feb. 26, 2024Northern Illinois University Police and Public Safety, with support from state and federal authorities, has determined that the threat received this morning is not credible. Additional colleges and universities have reported receiving similar messages today and within the past week. All classes and campus activities can proceed as scheduled. No further updates will be provided.