At least 147 people were killed in an attack by terrorists at a University in Northern Kenya. More than 500 students were rescued from the scene, according to USA Today. 

Terrorists targeted Christians in the attack, which also left at least 79 more injured. 

According to Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, the death toll in the attack could rise as investigators sweep the scene near the Garissa University campus. Garissa University is located about 90 miles from the Somali border.

Somali-based Islamic terrorist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack that began early Thursday morning.

"We'll not allow terrorists to divide our country on religious lines," said Aden Duale, majority leader in Kenya's National Assembly.

Nkaissery said many students were killed during their morning prayers at a mosque. Currently, it is unknown how many of the college's 815 students are still missing. Government officials said 500 students were rescued, and at least 300 are still unaccounted for.

The military is investigating the scene, Nkaissery said. 

"We will stay here until the operation is complete," he said. "Our soldiers have cordoned the place and are mopping out terrorists. Four terrorists have already been killed." 

Because of the attack, a curfew will be put in place. Police Inspector General Joseph Boinett said a dusk-to-dawn curfew will be in place in four counties, including Garissa beginning Friday and it will last until April 16.

Earlier Thursday, heavy gunfire was reported at the college as the Kenyan military attempted to end the terrorist situation. According to students, the gunmen separated Christians from the Muslims and were holding hostages inside a dormitory, Kenya's National Police Service said. 

Reportedly, explosives were placed around the Christian hostages, Kenyan police said. Kenyan soldiers were able to take control of the other two dormitories.

Boinett reported that a shootout took place between the terrorists and police earlier in the day. 

Police were able to arrest at least one suspect fleeing the scene. Kenyan police were offering a bounty of $220,000 for Mohamed Mohamud, who they think is behind the attacks. 

Students who were able to escape the attack say it began at 5 a.m. They said explosives were going off, and people were being shot. They also said it took police over an hour to arrive on the scene.

Kenya's president, Uhuru Kenyatta, has told Kenyans to remain calm.

"This is a moment for everyone throughout the country to be vigilant as we continue to confront and defeat our enemies," he said. 

The al-Shabab organization has been linked to al-Qaida and has attacked Kenya several times in recent years. In 2013, an attack on the Westgate shopping mall was connected to al-Shabab.