University of Texas And North Dakota State University Evacuated Due To Bomb Threats

12:15 pm UPDATE – University of Texas spokesman Gary Susswein said a man with a Middle Eastern accent called the school and stated he was associated with al Qaeda and had placed bombs across campus, according to Reuters. In addition to the 51,000 students on the Austin campus, there are also 24,000 faculty and staff members. There is reportedly gridlock around the campus as university students, staff, and those who live nearby, attempt to leave the area.

Noon UPDATE : The North Dakota State University bomb threat caused an evacuation their main campus, downtown buildings and agricultural facilities due to a bomb threat, the Valley News Live reports. The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports that two other bomb threats in the North Dakota State University region occurred earlier this week, resulting in the temporary closure to the Hector International Airport and the Grand Fork Airport.

Austin, TX – The University of Texas ordered an evacuation of all buildings due to a bomb threat allegedly called in by a man with a Middle Eastern accent. An alert posted on the all university website just after 10 am ordered a full evacuation from all building and told everyone to get as far away as possible, according to Reuters. The online notice from the Texas university also noted more information would be forthcoming.

Fox News live updates about the University of Texas bomb threat reveal that the called claimed bombs were placed all around campus and would detonate in 90 minutes. The time-frame for the explosion has passed, but university officials are keeping the campus closed as a precaution while the facility is swept by law enforcement agents.

A campus police officer had this to say about the evacuation when speaking to CNN:

“It was a general bomb threat on campus. We are evacuating all buildings to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Approximately 51,000 attend the classes on the central Texas campus.