Bomb Threat at UCO a “False Alarm,” Students Left in the Dark

12:00 pm: Message from UCO President Roger Webb:

Dear UCO Community,

UCO officials want to again assure the community that UCO and other law enforcement agencies have investigated and found no reason to believe an earlier campus threat is credible.

Howell Hall was evacuated and a thorough search conducted. Once completed, students, faculty and staff were allowed to return.

We take every threat seriously and put the safety of our community first. In addition, we have a policy of finding those connected with any threats and seeking their prosecution and conviction. One former UCO student is currently serving time in a federal penitentiary for a false threat made last year.

Thanks to everyone for your patience.

11:49 am: All-clear is given. One student: “I didn’t know where I was supposed to go or what to do. The whole thing was just confusing.”

11:30 am: UCO reps decline to comment on status of the situation.

11:26 am: 30 minutes after initial report of a bomb in Howell Hall, students have still yet to be contacted in any way regarding the status of the situation.

11:24 am: UCO Representative downplay severity of the situation via phone: “Classes will probably be back in session soon.” Bomb Sqaud still in building.

11:12 am: Students have still not been notified via emergency alert system (email/phone call/text). UCO’s website and The Vista have no information.

11:05 am: Bomb Squad arrives at Howell Hall. Students continue to evacuate.

10:55 am: Bomb Threat reported at UCO’s Howell Hall. Students told to evacuate.