Harvard has been forced to evacuate several buildings on campus after a bomb threat was conveniently called in during finals.
According to an emergency alert issued by the school, no explosions have been reported but authorities are taking all necessary precautions and have evacuated four buildings: the Science Center and Thayer, Sever and Emerson halls. Several final exams have been canceled for the day.
The initial report went out over the school’s emergency alert system at just after nine a.m. today; about half an hour later, this message was issued:
“The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) this morning received an unconfirmed report that explosives may have been placed in four buildings on campus: the Science Center, Thayer, Sever and Emerson Halls. HUPD and Cambridge Police are on the scene. Out of an abundance of caution, the buildings have been evacuated while the report is investigated. Harvard’s focus is on the safety of our students, faculty and staff. We will update the media when we have more information.”
Harvard University and Cambridge Police are at the scene and will be conducting an investigation into the call; as of now, only residents of Harvard Yard will be allowed access to the Yard and must have ID.
The threat is being treated by many as a hoax, possibly perpetrated by a student who needed a little more time to study. For some, the idea is frustrating.
“I have a good guess somebody called it in so they wouldn’t have to take an exam,” student Alexander Ryjik said. “It’s frustrating because now the exam will have to be postponed.”
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