Multiple HBCUs Lock Down After Campus Threats Following Charlie Kirk Assassination

Hampton University

Several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) went into lockdown on Thursday after receiving campus threats, just one day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.

Hampton University, Virginia State University, Bethune-Cookman University (BCU), Southern University, and Alabama State University all confirmed potential threats, prompting immediate security responses.

Hampton University, located near Newport News, Virginia, suspended all non-essential activity. “The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority,” officials said in a statement. State police are investigating, and all classes and activities were canceled for the rest of the week.

Virginia State University in Petersburg also declared a lockdown, citing a potential threat to the community. Alabama State University in Montgomery directed students to shelter in place out of caution.

Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach canceled classes and told students to return to their dorms. “All faculty and staff should head home and those not on campus should plan to work remotely,” officials stated.

Southern University in Baton Rouge confirmed it was working with law enforcement to assess the situation.

Spelman College in Atlanta increased its security presence despite reporting no direct threats. “Your safety remains our top priority. Please stay tuned for updates,” officials said. Nearby Clark Atlanta University, however, did confirm receiving threats.

California Rep. Ro Khanna urged unity in response to the wave of incidents. “HBCU campuses are facing threats today. Clark Atlanta, Spelman College & Morehouse are sheltering in place. Hampton & Alabama State have cancelled activities,” he wrote on X. “For the love of America, left or right, let us speak out against this violence and seek to heal with peace & grace.”

The threats come in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in the neck while answering a question on gun violence at Utah Valley University. Law enforcement has recovered what is believed to be the rifle used in the attack, but the shooter remains at large.

At the same time, a separate shooting at a Colorado high school injured two students, adding to nationwide concerns over campus safety.

Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, condemned the threats and Kirk’s killing. “We have seen too much violence on our campuses, whether it was the brazen murder of Charlie Kirk yesterday or the threats against these HBCUs today,” he said. “Colleges and Universities should be a place of free expression and debate in a way that’s respectful, engaging, and productive. What we have seen the last two days is anything but that.”

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, at least 100 incidents of gunfire on school grounds have been reported in 2025, leaving 32 dead and 98 injured. The last major wave of threats against HBCUs occurred in 2022, when 19 institutions received repeated bomb threats later traced to a juvenile prank caller.