Philadelphia Campuses on High Alert After FBI Issues Warning
Philadelphia-area campuses are on high alert after the FBI issued a warning on a possible impeding attack.
The Washington Post reports the FBI sent out an email warning several colleges and universities, including Temple University and Drexel University.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office notified local colleges and universities of a social media posting which threatened violence at a Philadelphia-area college or university for Monday, October 5," read a statement.
While officials are uncertain of where the intended strike may occur, they urged all students and staff in the area to remain vigilant and aware.
"No specific college or university was identified in the posting," the statement continued.
"We encourage students, faculty, and employees at area colleges and universities to follow the guidance of their campus security officials. The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate threats of violence, and, as always, we ask the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement."
Several reports have indicated the warning may be motivated by a threatening post on the anonymous online message board 4chan.
"The first of our kind has struck fear into the hearts of America," wrote the Beta Revolution user. "His cries have been heard, even by the president."
The message seems to reference the recent mass shooting at a community college in Umpqua, Oregon. The attack left nine people dead.
The user went on to write, "On October 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. CT, a fellow robot will take up arms against a university near Philadelphia. His cries will be heard, his victims will cower in fear, and the strength of the Union will decay a little more."
An unidentified law enforcement source confirmed to the Washington Post the 4chan post was connected to the investigation.
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