Multiple American colleges and universities on lockdown over 'terrorist threats'

Multiple universities in the US have gone into lockdown after they received "terroristicthreats."

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) went into lockdown today after they received unspecified threats were made against them. Southern University, Hampton University, Alabama State Universityand Virginia State University all either went into lockdown or cancelled classes on campus.

Virginia State shared an "urgent alert" at about 8.30am local time and shut down the campus, advising studentsand teaching staff to check their emails. A representative for the university said the closure was "due to a potential threat" and that students should remain indoors.

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The update said: "VSU received a threat to our campus. Out of an abundance of caution, VSU remains on lockdown. Please continue to check your emails for updates."

Alabama State also told outlets in the US it had received "terrorist threats" and that it shut down the campus. A statement sent to USA Today said: "We are working in close coordination with the appropriate law enforcement agencies to assess the situation and to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community."

Hampton University said: "All campus activities and classes are cancelled 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."

HBCUs are institutions in the US that were established before the Civil Rights Act came into force in the country in 1964. The intention behind the universities was to educate African Americans who faced discrimination when applying to institutions of higher learning in the US.

The threats to the university come following the assassination of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was fatally shot in the neck at an event in Utah on Wednesday.

Thousands witnessed the killing in person with videos of the shooting and its aftermath being widely shared online. President Donald Trump and people across the political spectrum praised Kirk or called for an end to political violence.

Political violence is nothing new in the US, with two Democratic Minnesota congressmen being killed in the summer. Trump himself was also the victim of multiple assassination attempts, including one in July last year where he suffered an injury to his ear as he was shot at.

The FBI has released images of a person of interest wanted in the killing of Kirk and a staggering $100,000 (£73,600) reward has been offered to anyone with information.