Lockdown at Bethune-Cookman University lifted after 'potential threat,' officials say

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - UPDATE: The lockdown at Bethune-Cookman University was lifted on Friday morning, officials confirmed.

Original story

Bethune-Cookman University canceled classes on Thursday and put the entire campus on lockdown due to a "potential threat to campus safety." Daytona Beach Police said it is investigating a "reported threat."

Bethune-Cookman University cancels classes over threat

What we know:

Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach went into lockdown Thursday after receiving a threat of violence later deemed a hoax. Police conducted building sweeps while students and staff sheltered in place. 

"All classes have been canceled; students should return to their dorm rooms and shelter in place. All faculty and staff should head home and those not on campus should plan to work remotely," the University wrote in a post on its Facebook page.

"Safety is our first priority, and we will continue to provide updates."

Daytona Beach Police investigating reported threat at Bethune-Cookman University

The Daytona Beach Police Department said it was investigating a "reported threat directed at Bethune-Cookman University."

"We ask the public to avoid the area until further notice. Updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available."

What we don't know:

Authorities have not identified who made the threats or what their motives were. It is also unclear whether the calls to the various campuses were connected or coordinated. Investigators have not released details about how they are tracking the origins of the threats.

Several U.S. HBCUs received reported threats Thursday

Big picture view:

The FBI confirmed at least four other historically Black colleges and universities — Alabama State, Virginia State, Hampton and Clark Atlanta — received similar threats.

Those colleges are:

• Alabama State University
• Virginia State University
• Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge
• Hampton University
• Clark Atlanta University

The FBI said in a statement to FOX 35 that it was investigating a number of "hoax" threats made at HBCUs, and that it does not believe any of those threats are credible.

"The FBI is aware of hoax threat calls to a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately."

The backstory:

Threats against HBCUs are not new. In recent years, campuses across the country have dealt with waves of hoax calls, often prompting lockdowns and heightened police responses. 

While no credible threats have been found in many of those incidents, each one disrupts campus life and heightens fears among students and staff.