Monday, May 04, 2009

Thursday evening, April 30, 2009, University of North Carolina Wilmington Police were notified of a bomb threat left in a women’s restroom in Randall Library. The threat was directed at the May 9 commencement ceremonies.

UNCW Police contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wilmington Police and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s office. The FBI also was contacted, and together, these various law enforcement agencies are conducting an ongoing investigation and risk assessment.

“At this point, the threat does not appear to be credible,” said UNCW Police Chief David Donaldson. “Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, extra security measures will be taken at this year’s commencement ceremonies, including conducting purse and bag searches and using metal detectors.”

Large-sized bags, including camera bags, will not be permitted into the graduation ceremonies. Because of the extra time these security measures will require, faculty, staff, students and their families should plan to arrive early.

Anyone with information about the bomb threat should contact UNCW Police at 910.962.2222 or anonymously from www.uncw.edu/police or 910.962.TIPS.

Media Contact:
UNCW Police Chief David Donaldson, 910.962.4018