Shippensburg University officials sent two campus-wide emails in the early hours of Sept. 13, in response to an alleged threat made to campus on social media.

At 12:38 a.m., an email from SU News was sent that said in part, “Expect an increased police presence as SUPD works to investigate and provides for the safety and security of campus.”

An updated email sent at 7:15 a.m. said: “SUPD continues to investigate the perceived threat posted to social media last evening but has found no credible threat to the health and safety of our campus. There may be a continued increased police presence throughout the day out of an abundance of caution. Classes will proceed as scheduled.”

University officials were made aware of two threatening posts made on social media app YikYak, which allows users to post anonymously. At 10:20 p.m., one user posted, “i’m sorry but tomorrow harley will be gone forever,” presumably in reference to Harley Hall. At 10:29, another post was made saying “I AN GOING TO SHIOT UP HSRLEY.”

A group of residents in McCune Hall reported the threat to a resident assistant and were told that it would be reported to university police. The Slate cannot independently confirm that this group of residents was the impetus for the mass emails or if the threat was also reported by other members of the campus community.

Many in the student body voiced their concerns and frustrations with the lack of information provided to them regarding the ongoing situation on YikYak. 

“I’m uncomfortable with the lack of info and the fact that the investigation is still ongoing cuz they haven’t even figured out who or what or why the threat was made but expect my trust,” one said. 

One student questioned why online classes were not made an option for the day and asked, “We have proven that Zoom works. Why not just have professors send that out as the option for tomorrow’s class?”

When asked by The Slate to provide additional information, SUPD directed us to the office of SU Communications.

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