U of Chicago Cancels Classes After Threat

The University of Chicago canceled all classes and activities scheduled for Monday on its main campus following an online threat of gun violence passed on by the FBI. The university said in a statement Sunday night that an online threat from an unknown person mentioned the campus quad, a popular gathering place, and a time of Monday morning at 10am. "It was pretty specific in terms of time and place," a university spokesman says. Faculty, students, and nonessential staff were asked to stay away from the Hyde Park campus on Chicago's South Side Monday, the university's statement said. Students in college housing on campus should stay indoors.

The university said the decision was taken after taking into account "recent tragic events" at other campuses across the country and consulting with federal and local authorities. "We have decided in consultation with federal and local law-enforcement officials, to exercise caution by canceling all classes and activities on the Hyde Park campus through midnight on Monday," the statement said. An FBI Chicago spokeswoman provided no further details about the threat except to say that the FBI is investigating the source. (More University of Chicago stories.)