Historically Black Colleges and Universities Receive Threats Following Charlie Kirk's Murder

Several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were forced to cancel classes and order students to shelter in place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, following a series of threats received in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder[1][3][5]. The affected institutions included Alabama State University, Southern University in Louisiana, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College in Georgia, Virginia State University, Hampton University in Virginia, and Bethune-Cookman University in Florida[1][3].

Lockdowns and Law Enforcement Response

Virginia State University (VSU) was among the first to issue an urgent alert, closing its campus due to a “potential threat” at 8:30 a.m. EST. VSU authorities communicated via social media that they were actively investigating the credibility of the threat in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies[3]. The lockdown was lifted later in the day, but access remained restricted to those with university identification. Similar lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders were enacted at other HBCUs, with campus officials urging vigilance and encouraging community members to report suspicious activity[5][6].

The FBI released images of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Kirk and requested public assistance in identifying the suspect. The agency also stated it was “aware of hoax threat calls” to HBCUs and emphasized that, while the threats were taken seriously, there did not appear to be a credible, direct link to Kirk’s murder[6].

Community and Political Reactions

The Congressional Black Caucus issued a statement condemning the threats as “a chilling reminder of the relentless racism and extremism that continues to target and terrorize Black communities in this country”[1][6]. Civil rights leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton, called for an end to violence and threats against HBCU campuses, referencing a history of similar incidents targeting these institutions[3][5]. Representative Sanford Bishop, Jr. urged federal authorities to investigate the threats, labeling them as “despicable, hateful extremism and an assault on American ideals”[3].

Uncertainty Over Motive and Connection

Despite the timing of the threats following Kirk’s murder, law enforcement officials have not established any direct connection between the threats to HBCU campuses and the shooting at Utah Valley University[5][6]. School officials at Hampton and Alabama State confirmed that no physical incidents had occurred and that the nature of the threats remained unclear[5]. The FBI and Department of Justice have been called upon to investigate and pursue legal action against those responsible for the threats[6].

The lockdowns and heightened security measures at HBCUs come amid ongoing concerns about campus safety and the broader climate of extremism and violence targeting Black institutions. No injuries or incidents were reported at the affected campuses, but the events have reignited calls for increased protection and vigilance.