The FBI has reportedly identified six people of interest in its investigation of bomb threats made to historically black colleges and universities this week.
The six individuals are described as “tech-savvy” juveniles from around the country who used advanced techniques to disguise the origins of their threats, a law enforcement official told NBC News.
OVER A DOZEN HBCUS RECEIVE BOMB THREATS
“This investigation is of the highest priority for the Bureau and involves more than 20 FBI field offices across the country. These threats are being investigated as Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism and hate crimes,” the FBI said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “We are working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, coordinating with the targeted institutions, and meeting with academia and faith leaders to share information.”
More than a dozen HBCUs reported bomb threats on Tuesday, the first day of Black History Month. This followed at least six HBCUs that reported bomb threats Monday. On Jan. 4, at least eight HBCUs received bomb threats. The threats forced many of the institutions to lock down and postpone classes. No bomb was discovered on any of the campuses, the FBI said.
Some of the institutions, including Howard University, received bomb threats multiple times during the past month. Officials believe there might have been a racial motivation behind the threats, according to NBC News.
The FBI said its investigation is also looking at bomb threats to houses of worship but did not specify which ones. The bureau also did not provide additional details about its ongoing investigation.
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According to multiple reports and statements, the HBCUs that have been targeted with bomb threats over the last month include Albany State University, Alcorn State University in Mississippi, Bethune-Cookman University, Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Edward Waters University, Florida Memorial University, Fort Valley State University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University in Texas, Rust College, Spelman College, Southern University and A&M College, Tougaloo College, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of the District of Columbia, and Xavier University in Louisiana.
