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According to a press release issued by the FBI, since January, more than 50 HBCUs, houses of worship, and other faith-based and academic institutions across the country have received racially motivated threats of violence.
Of those threats, there have been some reported in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
The investigation into the threats led to the identification of several minors believed to be responsible for the first set of threats made between Jan. 4 and Feb. 1, and further FBI investigation identified one juvenile believed to be responsible for these threats.
FBI officials said that due to the minor's age, no additional information can or will be provided.
“Given the federal limitations for charging under-age perpetrators with federal crimes, the Department of Justice worked with state prosecutors to hold them accountable on charges unrelated to the specific threats to the HBCUs,” investigators said. “This individual is under restrictions and monitoring of his online activities.”
According to the FBI, they are continuing to investigate additional unrelated threats that appear to have originated overseas:
- A distinct set of threats primarily targeting HBCUs received between Feb. 8 and March 2, affecting at least 19 institutions;
- A distinct set of threats which began on June 7 and is ongoing. More than 250 colleges—including seven HBCUs—over 100 high schools, and two junior high schools received bomb and/or active shooter threats.
“Hate-fueled and racist threats of violence cause the victims real distress,” FBI officials said. “These threats disrupt the learning environment and the education of college students, as well as other citizens.
“The FBI will not tolerate anyone trying to instill fear in any community, especially one that has experienced violence and threats of violence historically.”
A list of HBCUs in Maryland:
- Bowie State University;
- Coppin State University;
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore;
- Morgan State University.
A list of HBCUs in Virginia:
- Hampton University;
- Norfolk State University;
- Virginia State University;
- Virginia Union University;
- Virginia University of Lynchburg
A list of HBCUs in the District of Columbia:
- University of the District of Columbia;
- Howard University.
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