The Chronicle

Issue date: 4/23/07 Section: News
Last update: 4/23/07 at 6:56 AM EST

Media Credit: CHRONICLE file photo Duke officials did not evacuate residents after a bomb threat was made on Bell Tower Dormitory on East Campus early Friday morning.

Early Friday morning, Duke University Police Department received an anonymous bomb threat for Bell Tower Dormitory and another building, which does not exist.

The threat-received through a telecommunications device for the deaf-was not found credible by the police, but they investigated the dorm to ensure there was no hazard, said Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs.

Bell Tower residents were not evacuated and received an e-mail about the threat several hours later.

The incident added Duke to a list of schools and universities across the country that have received security threats since the Virginia Tech shootings a week ago.

Although some universities have chosen to evacuate buildings and cancel classes in response to the threats, others have opted to continue normal activities.

"Threats are made over the course of the year, and [the police] exercise a judgment," Moneta said. "They have expertise in determining that something's credible or not."

He added that DUPD is currently investigating who called in the threat.

Some Bell Tower residents said they were wary of how the situation was handled.

Freshman Jordan Rice said he saw a police officer searching the dormitory Friday.

"We asked him if he needed any help, and he said no," Rice said. "He looked to be in no hurry."

Rice added that he was unsure whether or not evacuation would have been necessary.

"They deemed it was not credible," he said. "I trust that, but then again, you really don't want to make the same mistake the Virginia Tech administrators made in not closing down classes or, in this case, evacuating a dorm."

Joe Gonzalez, associate dean for residential life, wrote in the e-mail sent to the residents that there was no reason for students to feel unsafe.

"We do not believe Bell Tower residents have any cause for concern at this time, but we wanted to make you aware of it and encourage extra vigilance on your part," he said.

In addition to Gonzalez's e-mail, Moneta sent out a message Friday to the entire undergraduate body, referencing the threat and encouraging students to remain safe and cautious.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools