Update 9/11 7:00 p.m.: Hampton University will begin reopening its campus in two phases after the FBI determined there was "no credible threat" to the university, according to a statement from university officials.
In response to the FBI's assessment, the university is working with law enforcement and campus police to carry out a "phased return to normal activity."
"As a result of our engagement with local law professionals and the FBI, we have now determined no credible threats to our beloved 'Home by the Sea,'" Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University, said in a video on Instagram.
In Phase I, the university will partially open on Friday, with increased security measures still in place, officials say. The university expects to "return to normal activity" on Monday during Phase II.
Officials provided a list of activities that will take place during Phase I:
- Classes remain canceled for the day.
- Off-campus students may return to campus.
- The Dining Hall and food vendors remain open.
- Harvey Library and the Student Center (including the food court) will reopen.
- Faculty will not return to campus at this time.
- Only essential staff should report to campus, as determined by your supervisors.
- All athletic activities will resume.
- Students are encouraged to remain on campus unless travel is essential.
- Heightened security will remain in place, and we urge everyone to stay vigilant.
The campus is expected to fully reopen by Monday, officials say.
The FBI released the following statement: “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.” Based upon this FBI analysis and in collaboration with local and state law enforcement professionals and our campus police department, Hampton University is implementing a phased return to normal activity.
Phase I is a partial reopening of campus involving the following activities, effective Friday, September 12, 2025:Phase II will represent a complete return to normal activity, which we anticipate to occur by Monday, September 15, 2025.
- Classes remain canceled for the day.
- Off-campus students may return to campus.
- The Dining Hall and food vendors remain open.
- Harvey Library and the Student Center (including the food court) will reopen.
- Faculty will not return to campus at this time.
- Only essential staff should report to campus, as determined by your supervisors.
- All athletic activities will resume.
- Students are encouraged to remain on campus unless travel is essential.
- Heightened security will remain in place, and we urge everyone to stay vigilant.
In the meantime, if you see something, say something— and contact Hampton University Police at 757-727-5300.
The safety and security of our students and campus community remains our chief concern!
Update 9/11 4:50 p.m.: The FBI told WTKR News 3 that they were aware of what it called hoax threat calls to HBCUs on Thursday. While the FBI statement did not specifically mention Hampton University or Virginia State University, it said there is "no information to indicate a credible threat."
Original story:
A "credible threat" has been made against Hampton University, university officials shared on Thursday, prompting class cancellations and evacuations on campus.
School officials did not elaborate on the nature of the potential threat. However, all non-essential activities — including classes and campus activities — are canceled for Thursday and Friday, officials say.
Watch: Hampton University Police Chief says threat to school is credible
Evacuations for students, faculty and other non-essential personnel are underway, and the university is advising students to "minimize their movement across campus."
HU student Amirah Woodruff told WTKR News 3's Colter Anstaett that she believes the threat has something to do with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at an event on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
Watch: Hampton student says 'definitely does feel like have a target on our back'
"I definitely do think we stick out more as a target," Woodruff said, referring to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Hampton and Virginia State University. "It definitely does feel like we have a target on our back right now."
A potential threat was also made against Virginia State University on Thursday, prompting similar closures. However, the campus lockdown was lifted, with some restrictions, early Thursday afternoon.
Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala., Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., and Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Fla. — all HBCUs — have also received threats Thursday.
HU sophomore Donovan Washington was in the library Thursday morning when a staff member announced they needed to evacuate.
Watch: Student was told to evacuate library due to Hampton U. threat
"I was a little startled, I was a little taken [aback]," Washington said. "Then instinct came in and I just had to get out real quickly."
The full statement from Hampton University is as follows:
Hampton University has received notice of a potential threat and has ceased all non-essential activity, effective immediately. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority.
All campus activities and classes are canceled on Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, to include all athletic events and activities. The campus community is encouraged to conduct any meetings remotely. All students who are on campus are encouraged to minimize their movement across campus except for essential activities. Students residing off-campus should not come to campus at this time. All non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, should evacuate campus immediately. Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus.
It is imperative that all members of the Hampton University community remain vigilant. If you see something, say something.
Anyone with information or concerns should immediately contact Hampton University Police at 757-727-5300. Stay tuned to the University’s website, social media, and other official channels for pertinent information.
After meeting with local officials and state and local law enforcement professionals, we will provide updates by close of business today. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for learning, living, and working.
Watch: Raw footage from Hampton University following threat evacuation
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, university officials say.
Around 12:15 p.m., HU's Police Chief David Glover issued a statement about the investigation.
This morning, Hampton University officials, including President Williams, met with local and state government officials and law enforcement.
We discussed what they consider is a credible threat to the university.
That credible threat is being investigated by local, state and federal law enforcement as we speak.
As a result of their expert opinion, we have shut down campus for today and tomorrow.
We can’t answer any further questions at this time.
It is moving quickly.
We at Hampton University keep public safety as a top priority. This is why we shut down the university to make sure everyone that walks on this campus is safe.
When we have more information we will update you.
Thanks. No questions at this time.
This is a developing story, check back with News 3 for updates once more information is available.
