AUPD reports handwritten bomb threat found in Science Hall

Many AU students take science and lab courses at the Science Hall on the Summerville Campus. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

A handwritten bomb threat was reportedly found in a women’s bathroom at the Science Hall building on the Summerville Campus on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Those who were present at the time were told to evacuate the building as a precaution, while Augusta University’s Police Department investigated. The building remained on lockdown for the remainder of the day and until 5 a.m. of Feb. 1 to ensure everyone’s safety.

Students in various science classes and labs were also told to leave the building by leadership in the College of Science and Mathematics. Members of the AU ROTC program, which is housed in the Science Hall, went outside the building on Monday afternoon and remained in the field between Science Hall and the JSAC during the afternoon.

An email was sent out to students, faculty and staff regarding the issue on the evening of Jan. 31.

The email announcement reads as follows:

“This afternoon in Science Hall on the Summerville Campus, a faculty member found a handwritten bomb threat and immediately reported it to the Augusta University Police Department.

“AUPD quickly responded, conducted a thorough search of Science Hall and found nothing suspicious. 

“Afternoon classes in the building were canceled. There is no ongoing threat to the Augusta University community, and this matter remains under investigation.

“AUPD would like to thank the staff member who reported the incident and wants to remind everyone if you see or hear something out of the ordinary, please report it immediately to the police department at 706-721-2911.”

Classes in the building resumed on the morning of Feb. 1.

An update to this article will be done if more information regarding the incident is made available.

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.