WASHINGTON D.C. – Earlier today, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and our partners in the Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice hosted a nationwide phone call with the victims, advocacy groups, and community leaders impacted by the ongoing threats targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Historically Black Churches, and Historically Black Institutions. During the briefing, federal law enforcement officials discussed the progress made in this investigation, which cannot be shared publicly due to sensitive aspects of the investigation. The FBI and DOJ officials reiterated that these investigations continue to be of the highest priority and are being worked by over 30 FBI field offices.
The FBI is aware of racially motivated threats to more than 50 HBCUs and Historically Black Institutions across the country since the beginning of the year. As the new school year gets underway, threats to these institutions continue, and the FBI remains committed to investigating and analyzing each one to identify the perpetrator and determine the threat’s credibility.
Hate-fueled and racist threats of violence cause the victims real distress. These threats disrupt the learning environment and the education of college students, as well as our fellow citizens. The FBI will not tolerate anyone trying to instill fear in any community, especially one that has experienced violence and threats of violence historically. The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue anyone responsible for these ongoing threats with help from our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels.
Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide more details at this time, but we will continue to share with schools, partners, and the public as information becomes available.
