Illinois State University Threat Surfaces Two Weeks After Initial Bomb Scare


When Illinois State University opened for the fall semester several weeks ago, a bomb threat attached to a note was found in a bathroom at Schroeder Hall. Police are now investigating a second threat that was left in a bathroom stall inside the same building.

Illinois State University Police are currently listing the note as a “low threat level.” Classes will continue as scheduled at Schroeder Hall, and safety precautions are already in place to monitor for unusual activity.

Crime Stoppers is currently offering $1,000 to anyone who can provide help that will allow officers to apprehend the person who left the threatening note.

ISU President Timothy J. Flanagan sent the following note to students and faculty on Wednesday morning:

“Dear Students, Faculty and staff Members,

I am writing to alert you that Illinois State University Police are again investigating a handwritten note found in a Schroeder Hall bathroom containing a threatening message. While police consider this a low-level threat, we will continue to take these communications seriously.

We have not cancelled classes at Schroeder Hall, but we are taking several steps to ensure the safety of all students, faculty and staff members who use the building.

Police and security teams using specially trained dogs will be making periodic sweeps of the building. For the next few days, access to Schroeder Hall will again be limited to secured entrances.

Police and security personnel will be checking backpacks, briefcases, bags and large purses. I understand this will cause some disruption and that today’s forecast for excessive heat will be an additional complication. We will do our best to move check-in lines smoothly and quickly, but there are likely to be slight delays during peak class times. You can help by not bringing these items to Schroeder Hall for the next few days unless absolutely necessary. You may also want to bring some water to keep hydrated, something that is important under any heat-related circumstance.

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our first priority. These incidents serve as a reminder that we should be mindful of our environment and security. Anyone with additional information should contact the Illinois State University Police at (309) 438-8631. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000 for tips that lead to the arrest of these offenders. Contact McLean County Crime Stoppers at (309) 828-1111.”

The Illinois State University threat two weeks ago was followed by attacks at nearby University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The UIUC attacks involved an unknown assailant who was attacking people on campus with a blow dart gun.

During the last threat, FBI officials were called notified of the potential attack. At this time, the nature of the ISU threat has not been revealed.

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