The FBI has identified one juvenile believed to be responsible for a majority of the bomb threats against earlier this year against historically Black colleges and universities, according to a statement released Monday (Nov. 14) by the federal law enforcement agency.
Since January 2022, more than 50 HBCUs, including Southern University in Baton Rouge and Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, have received racially motivated threats of violence.
Early in the investigation, the FBU identified several minors believed to be responsible for the first set of threats made between January 4 and February 1, 2022. However, further investigation has resulted in the identification of one juvenile believed to be responsible for the threats.
Because of limits on charging under-age perpetrators with federal crimes, the Department of Justice is working with state prosecutors to hold the juvenile accountable on charges unrelated to the specific threats to the HBCUs. This individual is under restrictions and monitoring of his online activities. And because of the subject’s age, no additional information can be provided.
The FBI is continuing to investigate additional unrelated threats that appear to have originated overseas:
- A distinct set of threats primarily targeting HBCUs received between February 8 and March 2, affecting at least 19 institutions.
- A distinct set of threats which began June 7 and are ongoing. More than 250 colleges—including seven HBCUs—over 100 high schools, and two junior high schools received bomb and/or active shooter threats.
The FBI is asking anyone with information to report it to 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.
