-
Lamar University sign -
Lamar University all clear signal
Lamar University is among several colleges that received bomb threats on July 6, causing the educational institution to cancel classes and evacuate the campus “out of an abundance of caution.”
According to the Beaumont Police Department and Lamar University officers, the bomb threat was called in at about 2 p.m., which was close to the same time multiple colleges in Louisiana also received bomb threats, indicate reports from media there.
Lamar students and staff received a notification from the university’s emergency alert system ordering everyone to “clear campus until further notice.”
Police investigated and cleared the scene, but the university decided to cancel classes for the remainder of the day. The dining hall, however, was opened before dinner the same day.
“Lamar University received notification of a potential bomb threat to campus...earlier this afternoon on Wednesday, July 6,” reads a release from the university. “In accordance with university emergency procedures and policies, the campus was evacuated immediately, and all classes were canceled for the remainder of the day.
“The Lamar University Police Department, Port Arthur Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, Beaumont Independent School District Police and Jefferson County Sheriff’s (office) responded and completed a search of campus. All worked diligently to ensure campus buildings were all-clear and safe for students, faculty and staff to return.”
An email sent to students at about 3:13 p.m. Wednesday stated, “Lamar University officials are working diligently with local law enforcement to clear any potential threats to campus. Campus remains closed at this time and classes have been canceled for the remainder of the day. Please continue to monitor lamar.edu/alerts, LU social media and LU email for official updates.”
In the all-clear message sent at about 4:44 p.m., Lamar reported that all Cardinal Village residents “may return immediately. And the Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to serve residents.”
All other buildings remained closed until campus resumed normal business operations on July 7.
“Faculty, staff and students are reminded to report any suspicious items or packages to LUPD at (409) 880-7777,” LU said in a statement. “Please continue to monitor your LU email, lamar.edu/alerts and LU social media for official updates.”