University of Chicago Cancels Monday Classes over Shooting Threat
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Classes at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus will be canceled on Monday following the FBI warning of a possible threat of gun violence from an unknown individual or group, the educational institution’s president said in a statement.
The threat mentioned the campus quad, a popular gathering place, and a time of Monday at 10am, the statement said.
Non-medical faculty, students and non-essential staff are asked to stay away from the Hyde Park campus on Chicago's South Side on Monday. Students in college housing are asked to stay indoors, the statement said, the Daily Mail reported.
'Based on the FBI's assessment of this threat and recent tragic events at other campuses across the country, we have decided in consultation with federal and local law enforcement officials, to exercise caution by canceling all classes and activities on the Hyde Park campus through midnight on Monday,' the statement reads.
The university has increased police and security on campus and will have 'police personnel with visible weapons' in the area on Monday.
'University security personnel are keeping in close contact with the FBI, which is continuing to investigate the threat,' the statement said.
Not only are classes and event at the Hyde Park campus canceled, but the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, the University of Chicago Charter School campuses, the University libraries, the Quadrangle Club, and other campus facilities will also be closed.
The University of Chicago Medical Center will remain open to patients, but security has been increased. The university expects to resume normal operations on Tuesday.