UTSA provides information on non-credible bomb threat

OCTOBER 17, 2023 —  Editor's note: UTSA is providing regular updates on the Main Campus. Here is the latest.

UPDATE — 4:35 p.m.

The following message was sent at 4:35 p.m. today via email from President Taylor Eighmy to all faculty, staff and students:

As many of you know, earlier today a bomb threat was directed towards three buildings on our Main Campus—the Main Building, Business Building and Flawn Sciences Building. Our initial analysis indicated this was likely a non-credible threat; however, we immediately activated an enhanced police presence on campus and searched all campus buildings.

Out of an abundance of caution, our UTSA Police Department and the San Antonio Police Department bomb squad and canine units did a thorough sweep of the three buildings and nothing suspicious was found. The buildings re-opened at 4 p.m. and are now back to normal operations. We are working closely with the San Antonio Fusion Center, the FBI and other law enforcement to probe the origin of this threat as a criminal investigation.

I’d like to thank everyone on campus for your patience and cooperation during this campus disruption. I’d also like to express my gratitude to UTSA PD and our law enforcement partners for their vigilant and prompt response and for helping to keep our Roadrunner community safe.

As always, your well-being and safety remains our highest priority. As you get back into your regular routine, I encourage you to remain aware of your surroundings. If you have concerns or see anything suspicious at any time, please contact the UTSA Police Department at 210-458-4911. I also urge you to sign up for UTSA Alerts and follow UTSA on social media to stay informed on critical campus events and emergency announcements.

Additionally, if you’re experiencing worry, stress or concern about this situation, I encourage you to take advantage of the UTSA resources available to you:

• UTSA Mental Health and Counseling Services for Students
• UTSA Employee Assistance Program

Thank you all, again, for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our campus community safe.

UPDATE — 3:34 p.m.

The sweep of campus buildings is completed. All is clear. The Main Building, Flawn Sciences Building and Business Building, which were specifically named in the threat, will open at 4 p.m. and classes will restart in those buildings at that time. UTSA Police have been actively engaged in checking all buildings on campus.

This remains an active criminal investigation, and the UTSA Police Department continues to gather evidence. UTSA is also in close communication with local and federal law enforcement. Normal campus operations have resumed.

ORIGINAL ALERT — 12:47 p.m.

UTSA has received a non-credible bomb threat specific to three buildings on the Main Campus: Main Building, Business Building and Flawn Sciences Building.

While this threat is not considered credible, out of an abundance of caution we are clearing these three buildings from 1:30 to 4 p.m. All classes during those hours are cancelled, and all buildings will be locked.

This is an active criminal investigation. UTSA Police are in communication with local and federal law enforcement on this matter. UTSA Police have checked other facilities, and have found no issues with any adjoining buildings.

Students from those three cleared buildings are free to gather at other places on campus. Again, there are no issues with adjoining buildings, which have been checked by police.

All information indicates this threat is a hoax.

We'll post updates here as the buildings are reopened.