University Statements

Dear Cornell Community,

Just before 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Tompkins County 911 received an anonymous call from an individual claiming to be in one of our academic buildings with automatic weapons, and that explosives had been placed in several other academic buildings. Cornell University Police Department (CUPD) immediately began investigating and issuing real-time alerts to urge students, faculty, staff, visitors, and community members to evacuate central campus and avoid the area.

We are relieved to report that this threat appears to have been a hoax. A cruel hoax; but, thankfully, just a hoax. The University has now resumed its normal operations.

CUPD was assisted throughout the incident by the Ithaca Police Department, the Tompkins County Sherriff’s Office, Cortland Police Department, SUNY Cortland Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New York State Police. We greatly appreciate all police and staff members, as well as Cornell Emergency Services personnel, the Ithaca Fire Department and Bang’s Ambulance, who responded to this potential crisis.

As Cornell investigated this threat, we learned that several other universities around the country experienced similar hoaxes. Cornell will work closely with local, state, and federal investigators pursuing links among these threats of campus violence.

Situations like these are frightening and stressful. We urge all students, faculty and staff to utilize campus resources if you would like to talk about today’s events. We are also mindful of the worry experienced by the extended campus community of parents and friends, as well as by our neighbors throughout the greater Ithaca community. We thank everyone for keeping calm and heeding warnings during this challenging and uncertain situation.

In appreciation,

Joel M. Malina
Vice President for University Relations