Alabama State University in Montgomery was placed on lockdown Thursday after university officials reported a "terroristic threat," and Hampton University in Virginia advised students to avoid its campus as law enforcement responded to separate security alerts.
University officials and local authorities issued the alerts on Sept. 11, 2025, and both institutions told students to shelter in place or stay away from campus while investigators worked to assess the risks. Alabama State described the situation as a "terroristic threat" in its notification; Hampton University sent an advisory advising students to avoid campus until further notice.
Montgomery police and campus security were reported to be on the scene at Alabama State; Hampton University officials coordinated with local law enforcement in Virginia. Neither university released immediate details about the source of the threats, any suspects or whether injuries had occurred. Both institutions said they would provide updates as information became available.
The campus alerts come a day after a fatal shooting at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City that killed 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Authorities have said the Utah shooting is under investigation; officials have not publicly linked that incident to the threats reported at Alabama State or the advisory from Hampton University.
Alabama State and Hampton are among the nation's historically Black colleges and universities; officials at both campuses emphasized that student safety was their top priority while investigators gathered more information. Campus lockdowns and advisories typically prompt coordinated responses involving campus police, municipal law enforcement and, when necessary, state or federal agencies.
Law enforcement agencies often withhold investigative details in the early stages of a threat assessment to protect operational security and public safety. University administrators in similar situations generally notify students and staff through text alerts, emails and campus sirens or public address systems, and they may suspend classes, restrict building access and cancel campus events until authorities determine it is safe to resume normal operations.
As of the latest notifications, both universities said they would update students, staff and the public when more information is confirmed. Media and law enforcement updates were expected as investigations continue.