Joint Terrorism Task Force Now Invetigating Bomb Threats at Pitt-Oakland

Pittsburgh’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now investigating the string of bomb threats at the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus.

US Attorney David Hickton released a statement this morning saying, “The safety and welfare of the University of Pittsburgh community is a top priority. The bomb threats since February 13 are being vigorously, aggressively and thoroughly investigated through every possible means."

Since mid-February, someone has threatened to bomb several campus buildings, including the Cathedral of Learning and Litchfield Towers. As of last night, the number of building threats was 26.

The threats have been written in bathrooms or emailed to university officials and local newspaper reporters.

A Bradford resident whose daughter attends Pitt-Oakland tells us the bomb threats have left students, staff and parents on edge.

"While the disruption and fear engendered by such threats is unconscionable, we commend the resilience of the University community," Hickton said. "The University of Pittsburgh is exercising appropriate regard for safety, through its notification system and through evacuations when threats are received and evaluated, while refusing to allow such threats to paralyze the entire University community in its pursuit of learning and teaching."

"We cannot comment upon the specifics of the investigation; but, we will continue to work cooperatively and aggressively in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and the FBI to investigate this criminal activity and to enforce the law," Hickton said in the news release.

Anyone with information about the bomb threats is asked to call the FBI at 412-432-4000. The university is also offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Pictured, the Cathedral of Learning
University of Pittsburgh Photo

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ...
since 1947