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Philadelphia area universities heighten security after "threat of violence"

Published  October 5, 2015 5:14pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - ATF and FBI alerted Philadelphia area universities after a "threat of violence" was posted on social media.

The posting states that an action could take place at 1 p.m. central time (2 p.m. eastern time) on Monday, October 5.

A spokesperson from the FBI released the following statement regarding the online threat:

"Out of an abundance of caution, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office notified local colleges and universities of a social media posting which threatened violence at a Philadelphia-area college or university for Monday, October 5."

Although no action was taken, authorities weren't taken any chances and beefed up security.

The Philadelphia police department provided coverage to the community college and other smaller campuses.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said every threat must be taken seriously. "You can't ignore it," said Commissioner Ramsey, "you have idiots with guns they will go and do things like that."

Campuses in Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Delaware sent alerts to students and heightened police patrol.

Temple Police said this in their alert to students, "While law enforcement is not aware of any specific threat, Temple Police are closely monitoring the situation and keeping in contact with local and federal officials. In addition, Temple Police will have increased visibility on campus Monday. The university will have normal operations Monday."

Some students at Drexel University's campus felt a little uneasy going to class.

"I'm nervous. I'm not going to my one class in center city," said Drexel student, Tori Vandell.

Drexel University Freshman, Katlin Kirby, continues "I feel like they just should've canceled all classes today."

There were also heightened security procedures at the universities.

"Every class we got to we have to show ID," explains Drexel University Student, Kaash Desai.

Some students think that should become standard procedure.

Ashleigh Walden, Drexel University freshman, "It should always be a thing because it could happen anytime you never know."