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The university posted on Facebook about the main campus lockdown at 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, as university police and other first responders checked various buildings. West Long Branch's emergency management office said there were no safety concerns outside university property in a Facebook post at 7:20 a.m.
Monmouth president Dr. Patrick Leahy posted an update on the university's website after students were given an "all clear" message at 9:05 a.m., lifting the shelter-in-place order. The update said campus would have a delayed opening at 10 a.m. and classes would begin at 11 a.m.
Dr. Leahy said university police received several reports from students and employees early in the morning about an email from someone making a bomb threat. The person also claimed to be armed and hiding on campus.
Police conducted a widespread search of campus buildings and found no evidence.
"All of us are thankful that this situation was resolved safely and successfully, and we appreciate the support and cooperation we received from our students and staff who adhered to the shelter-in-place restriction," Dr. Leahy said. "On behalf of the university, I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts of the responding law enforcement agencies who assisted in our investigation."
Morning summer camps for the athletics department were canceled. They'll resume as scheduled on Wednesday, July 24.
The Monmouth County Emergency Response Team, the county prosecutor's office, and the county sheriff's office responded, along with police from Aberdeen, Asbury Park, Deal, Fair Haven, Long Branch, Manasquan, Marlboro, Ocean Township, and West Long Branch.
Anyone with information about the emailed threat should call the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 800-533-7443 or the Monmouth University Police Department at 732-571-4444.
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