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Howard University residence hall targeted by second bomb threat in a week

This threat, targeting East and West Towers, is the second such threat this week.

WASHINGTON — A second bomb threat in a week at Howard University has triggered an investigation and evacuations.

The Howard University Department of Public Safety was alerted to the threat by the Metropolitan Police Department around 2:30 a.m. The threat was targeting the East and West Towers on Howard's campus. 

Lt. Curtis Miller, a watch commander with MPD's Third District said both the towers were evacuated around 2:28 a.m. Friday. 

Police and university officials conducted a sweep of both towers with K-9 units. Preliminary information suggests that investigators have leads on the location of the originating call. 

The university says they have been in contact with federal officials assigned to the investigation of similar threats made against Historically Black Colleges and Universities back in February.

RELATED: Leaders at Black colleges alert, undeterred by bomb threats

Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick was briefed on the situation and was on campus early Friday to observe the investigation and meet with personnel and students impacted.

The all-clear was given around 5:30 a.m. and students were allowed back into the evacuated buildings. No devices were found.

"We appreciate the support of the MPD and members of the bomb unit and HU community members in following evacuation orders and sharing accurate information with peers and in social spaces," the Howard University Department of Public Safety said in a tweet.

RELATED: Bomb threat triggers evacuation at Howard University's Cook Hall

This is the second bomb threat in a week targeting Howard University.

One student WUSA9 spoke to on campus told us how she felt following the threat Friday.

"It's a little scary because it keeps happening. It's weird," the student said.

On Tuesday night, students in the Cook Hall building were evacuated for a bomb threat. According to a letter sent by Frederick to students and staff, the most recent threat marks the eighth bomb threat of 2022 at Howard. 

"It was difficult for me to witness in person students sitting in Banneker Park and heading to trailers on Sherman Avenue and crossing Georgia Avenue on their way to Blackburn Center in their pajamas and sleepwear," Frederick wrote. "This is terrorism, and it must stop." 

Frederick went on to praise the community's "model citizenry in times of crisis" and reminded students to always walk in groups during evacuation procedures and to head straight to designated evacuation locations. 

"I want to be clear about the university’s position on the narrative of these threats," Frederick wrote to end his letter. "This isn’t about resilience and grit. We require extra resources from all law enforcement agencies directed towards solving this ongoing threat and bringing those who perpetrate its negative effects to full justice under the law."

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