Bomb threats closes parts of UAF, cancels morning classes
By Amber McCain & Lizzy Hahn
Photo by Lizzy Hahn
Road blocks were set up to prevent people from traveling up to West Ridge via Yukon Drive, Tanana Loop W, and Tanana Drive.
An early morning bomb threat sent to the University of Alaska Fairbanks police department, forced UAF to cancel classes until noon on the Troth Yeddha’ Campus and led to the closure of several offices west of the Museum of the North.
At 6:46 a.m., the university’s emergency alert system announced: “A bomb has been reported at Elvey. Prepare to evacuate and follow instructions from authorities. If you are not in the area, please stay away.”
A roadblock was established on Yukon Drive to prevent vehicle access near Elvey.
At 9:43 a.m., reporters were turned away from West Ridge.
At 11:30 a.m., the all clear was given, with UAF police stating that no explosive device was present.
The report of a potential explosive device near the Elvey Building triggered a police response and evacuation of the area. Though law enforcement says there is no known imminent danger, security and searches remain ongoing. UAF police and their bomb-sniffing dog worked in collaboration with the airport police department, who brought their own bomb-sniffing dog.
In the middle of their search on West Ridge, an email sent to the chancellor’s office was found. This email referenced an explosive in the Rasmussen library. According to university communications director Marmian Grimes, it is unsure if this email was sent at the same time as the email to the UAF police department. The Rasmussen library was promptly swept and police found nothing.
Classes at the Community & Technical College and other off-campus locations are continuing as scheduled. Offices east of the Museum of the North remain open. Employees there are expected to maintain their normal schedules.
“I thought it was funny that there was an active bomb threat and I still had to work,” said Finley McCain, a Student Recreation Center employee. “I just had to keep folding towels, anticipating whether or not the next building was gonna pop.”
Students and staff are advised to keep an eye on UAF Alert and official university channels.
No alert was sent to UAF students about the secondary threat because police were “able to jump on it right away,” according to Grimes. Grimes added that this is not the first bomb threat to UAF.