BREAKING: Columbia receives bomb threat, campus remains open

By Noah Jennings, Co-Editor-in-Chief

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UPDATE: As of 11:40 a.m., Thursday, July 1, the Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the bomb threat. The original email alleged the bombs would be detonated later this evening. Campus Security plans to continue running college operations without disruption.

The Chicago Police Department is investigating a bomb threat sent to the college via email this morning.

A crime advisory sent to faculty, staff and summer students just after 12 noon from the Office of Campus Safety and Security said the email alleged that bombs had been placed “around” the campus and are set to detonate tomorrow evening.

The advisory said the college plans to continue “regular college operations” while authorities continue to investigate.

Kellie Bartoli, a spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department, said the email was sent at approximately 6:51 a.m. today and Area Three detectives are still investigating. No injuries have been reported and no one is in custody.

Lambrini Lukidis, associate vice president of Strategic Communications and External Relations, said while the college plans to remain open, it is an ongoing investigation and students should remain alert for any additional notifications from the college.

This is not the first bomb threat Columbia has received. In October 2016, an anonymous caller made a bomb threat to the Registrar’s Office, as reported by the Chronicle. In this incident, the fifth through seventh floors of 600 S. Michigan Ave. were evacuated so a canine search could be completed.

The Office of Campus Safety and Security asks that anyone with additional information call Campus Security at (312) 369-3220 and the Chicago Police Department Investigators at (312) 746-7619 referencing report JE-284519.Anonymous tips can also be sent at cpdtip.com.

More updates to come.