Students & police wait in Science Center Plaza after bomb threat forces evacuation Mon. morning. Updates @thecrimson pic.twitter.com/zS3rXu7iOC
— The Harvard Crimson (@thecrimson) December 16, 2013
Several buildings at Harvard University are being evacuated amid unconfirmed reports of explosives.
Here’s what we know so far.
1. Evacuations were ordered in these four buildings:
Alert: Unconfirmed reports of explosives at four sites on campus: Science Center, Thayer, Sever, and Emerson. Evacuate those buildings now.
— Harvard University (@Harvard) December 16, 2013
Annenberg Hall has become an emergency shelter of sorts:
Students have filled Annenberg Hall after being evacuated this morning due to bomb threats. More @thecrimson pic.twitter.com/sC1WiU3hnJ
— The Harvard Crimson (@thecrimson) December 16, 2013
2. Authorities say the evacuations were ordered out of an “abundance of caution.”
Harvard spokesperson: "Out of an abundance of caution, the buildings have been evacuated while the report is investigated." More @thecrimson
— The Harvard Crimson (@thecrimson) December 16, 2013
The region is particularly sensitive to any talk of explosive attacks in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing.
3. Final exams for the day have been canceled.
Dean of Undergrad. Ed. Jay Harris to Annenberg: Final exams for this morning have been canceled.
— The Harvard Crimson (@thecrimson) December 16, 2013
There was reportedly applause on-campus when this announcement was made. The timing raises suspicion that this may be a prank.
4. Various law enforcement agencies are on-site, taking the threat very seriously.
Troopers from Fire Marshal's Office (Bomb Squad & K9) responding to @Harvard. No details avail. at this time. #harvard
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) December 16, 2013
The FBI has reportedly responded with bomb technicians.
4 buildings are being evacuated at Harvard. CPD, HUPD, MBTA PD, and BPD are on scene assisting. We will continue to update. #CambMA
— Cambridge Police (@CambridgePolice) December 16, 2013
5. Harvard’s website is providing updates:
