Fenwick Library on March 26 under normal operation since the March 13 bomb threat. (Emma G. Schaible / Fourth Estate)

A string of bomb threats hits Virginia colleges and universities

BY EMMA G. SCHAIBLE, NEWS EDITOR

George Mason students on spring break across the country received an urgent Mason alert warning of a bomb threat near Fenwick Library and calling for evacuation of the area Friday, March 13. 

Mason Police and other law enforcement provided an “all clear” three hours later; the case remains under investigation. Upon receiving the threat, Mason Police evacuated the library and conducted a thorough search. The library remained closed for the rest of the day.

Similar to six other Virginia colleges and universities who received threats, Mason had received the threat via an email. The threats came just one day after a shooter attacked a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps group at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Mason Police explained that hoax threats have become more common nationwide in the last few years. These calls are referred to as “swatting,” where a person makes a false report to emergency services to trigger an armed law enforcement response to a public area. 

Dispatchers are trained in recognizing and managing active threat incidents, with every call treated as legitimate until deemed otherwise. 

Mason Police was assisted by several other public safety partners, including Fairfax City Fire & Rescue and the Fairfax County Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. Other federal law enforcement teams also assisted. 

In a written statement to Fourth Estate, Mason Police reminds students to “be alert to suspicious behavior and report any concerns or observations to police immediately.” 

Students should expect security officers, cadets and Mason Police EOD K9 teams on routine patrols both inside and outside of buildings. K9 units can be recognized by their green uniforms.  

“Being alert and responsive community members is the biggest way you can help police keep the campus safe,” Mason Police continued. 

Mason Police can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on all campuses by calling police dispatch at 703-993-2810 or texting through the RAVE Guardian safety app.