ETTRICK, Va. — Multiple Virginia colleges were put on lock down and classes canceled on Thursday due to campus threats.
Virginia State University, which abruptly locked down Thursday morning, lifted the campus lockdown, with some restrictions, early Thursday afternoon.
"Access to campus is now limited to students, faculty, and staff with a valid VSU ID. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the threat that was received earlier today," a VSU spokesperson wrote in an email. "We appreciate your patience, vigilance, and cooperation throughout this situation."
The university shared the following information just after 2 p.m.:
- No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the threat.
- The campus lockdown has been officially lifted.
- Students may now access dining halls.
- Everyone on campus should continue to limit outdoor movement.
- All afternoon classes and extracurricular activities are canceled.
- Increased security remains on campus and at VSU-managed off-campus housing.
During the hours-long campus lockdown, police with long rifles surveyed the area and every car that approached the school's main entrance.
Throughout the morning, unmarked Virginia State Police SUVs arrived on the HBCU campus, as did Chesterfield County Police and Petersburg Police.
WATCH: Virginia State lifts lockdown as police investigate campus threat
For Haley Robertson, the first sign there was a problem came as she walked into the classroom and read the note on the board.
"There was a threat to campus and that they were on lockdown," Robertson, a junior at VSU, said. "I was scared because at first I thought it was an active shooter."
Robertson and other students said after a short while, they began to feel safe in their classrooms.
"I think the university did a great job handling it, making sure we stayed updated but not scaring us about what was going on," Robertson said. "I think the teachers did a really good job of keeping everything contained in the classroom, continued to teach the class and trying to make sure we didn't panic."
"After we had done our test we just remained indoors we didn't really leave until police officers came to the door and told us we were allowed to go," Alliyah Riley, a VSU senior, said.
In a statement to CBS 6, the university said multiple law enforcement agencies were "actively investigating the credibility of the threat received earlier today."
For most of the morning, cars and trucks were turned around at the gate with drivers told the campus was on lockdown.
Community response and support
Mary Brown, who graduated from VSU in 2018 and spent 30 years in the Army, drove past her alma mater and was concerned for the students and her school.
"Don't feed into it," Brown warned students. "Go about what you stand for and do not feed into the rhetoric. Know who you are and stand on that," Brown said.
Chesterfield County Police Chief Frank Carpenter said his department has an open door policy.
"Don't feel like any small thing is too small for the Police Department. Everything is important to us," Carpenter said.
As the investigation into the threat continues, students expressed mixed feelings.
"It is concerning and I'm glad so far, nothing has happened to my knowledge," Riley said.
"Don't be scared. Don't be scared. Go to school. Continue on your path and represent Virginia State," Brown said.
Chief Carpenter stressed that all the police agencies on the VSU campus Thursday have one goal.
"We're eliminating any potential threats and right now we're looking to be able to return to some sort of normalcy in the very near future," Carpenter said.
Nationwide HBCU concerns
By midday Thursday, five Historically Black Colleges and Universities had gone on lockdown due to threats, including Hampton University, which has also cancelled all classes and activities for Friday out of an abundance of caution.
VSU President Abdullah issues message to students and families
VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah sent the below letter:
"Today, Virginia State University—along with several other Historically Black Colleges and Universities—received a threat intended to disrupt, intimidate, and instill fear in our community. In response, we took immediate action, including a temporary campus lockdown, which has since been lifted with restrictions. Thankfully, no injuries or incidents were reported.
"Let us be clear: these threats are not random. They are targeted attacks on institutions that have long stood as pillars of excellence, empowerment, and progress. HBCUs exist because we refused to be denied an education—and we thrive because we continue to rise in the face of adversity.
"To those who seek to silence or scare us: we will not be intimidated. For over a century, Virginia State University and other HBCUs have stood as a beacon of knowledge, excellence, and resilience. Today’s events only reaffirm our commitment to providing a safe and empowering environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
"The greatest revenge is to get an education. Every step you take forward, every class you attend, and every degree you earn is an act of resistance and triumph.
"We remain in close coordination with law enforcement, and enhanced security will remain in place. As always, your safety is our top priority.
"Thank you for your patience, vigilance, and unity. Together, we are—and always will be—GREATER."
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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