University News
11/04/10: Bomb Threat Update: Tanner Hall Open [Posted 5:25 p.m]
November 4, 2010
Bomb Threat Update: Tanner Hall Open [Posted 5:25 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University students residing in Tanner Hall may return to the residence hall. The Secretary of State Bomb Squad and specially-trained canines have completed a thorough search of Tanner Hall and determined that the building may re-open. No evidence of explosive devices was found during the search. The Office of Public Safety is continuing its investigation.
The threat, which was made by an unknown subject, was called into Tanner Hall at approximately 1:14 p.m. The hall clerk notified the Office of Public Safety, and the building was immediately evacuated. Western's Emergency Alert System was activated to notify faculty, staff and students of the threat.
"We would like to express our appreciation to our students for their patience and understanding as law enforcement officials investigated this incident," said Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson. "I'd also like to thank our Office of Public Safety police officers and our housing staff for their work today, and to the law enforcement and emergency agencies who assisted. It's just unfortunate that another incident has occurred and disrupted our campus community."
Individuals with information about the anonymous bomb threat called into Tanner Hall today (Nov. 4) on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus should contact the WIU Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949. Individuals with information leading to an arrest may be eligible to receive Western's Stop the Threat Fund through the WIU Foundation, which includes an initial $500 reward, and an additional $2,000 reward, donated by President and Mrs. Elaine Goldfarb and Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson. The fund was established in March 2009 in response to two previous unfounded threats.
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Bomb Threat Update [Posted 4:25 p.m]
MACOMB, IL -- The Secretary of State Bomb Squad and a specially-trained canine from the Adams County Sheriff's Department, along with a technician from Peoria, have arrived on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus and have begun a search of Tanner Hall.
The residence hall, which houses approximately 800 freshmen, was evacuated shortly after 1:15 p.m. today following an anonymous bomb threat that was called into the hall clerk's office.
An update will be posted following the squad's search of the building.
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Bomb Threat Update [Posted 3:55 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety has just been informed that the Secretary of State Bomb Squad is expected to be on campus within the next 45-60 minutes.
An update will be posted when the squad arrives and begins a search of the building.
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Bomb Threat Reward Announcement [Posted 3:30 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL -- Individuals with information about the anonymous bomb threat called into Tanner Hall today (Nov. 4) on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus should contact the WIU Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949. Individuals with information leading to an arrest may be eligible to receive Western's Stop the Threat Fund through the WIU Foundation, which includes a $2,500 reward to date ($2,000 has been donated to the fund by President Al Goldfarb and Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson). The fund was established in March 2009 in response to two previous unfounded threats.
Individuals interested in contributing to the Stop the Threat Fund, may send donations, payable to the WIU Foundation Stop the Threat Fund, 303 Sherman Hall, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390.
Students who have personal concerns should contact the University Counseling Center at (309) 298-2453.
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Bomb Threat Update [Posted 2:30 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL -- The investigation is continuing into a bomb threat made this afternoon at Western Illinois University. The threat, which was made by an unknown subject, was called into Tanner Hall at approximately 1:14 p.m. The hall clerk notified the Office of Public Safety, and the building was immediately evacuated. Western's Emergency Alert System was activated to notify faculty, staff and students of the threat.
The Secretary of State Bomb Squad and a specially-trained canine from the Adams County Sheriff's Department are en route to the Macomb campus. Officers have conducted a cursory check of Tanner Hall and will continue to monitor the situation.
"We do not believe this is a serious threat; however, it is imperative that we take all necessary precautions to determine that this threat was indeed false to ensure the safety of the campus community," said WIU President Al Goldfarb. "We intend to investigate this incident, and the University will prosecute the individual responsible to the fullest extent of the law."
Once the all-clear is given, students will be allowed to return to Tanner. Approximately 800 freshmen reside in Tanner Hall.
Officials said the incident could be subject to federal prosecution as well as state charges. If a Western student is charged as a result of the investigation, the student would be subject to University judicial charges and possible expulsion. When an individual is convicted, he/she can, under state statute, be held liable for costs incurred during the investigation.
Classes and events are being held as scheduled this evening. WIU Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson noted that students, faculty and staff should remain aware of their surroundings. Individuals with information regarding this incident should contact the Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949.
On Oct. 25, a bomb threat was called into the clerk's office during the late afternoon hours. The building was evacuated, and an arrest was subsequently made. The individual was suspended from the University and may face expulsion.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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Bomb Threat Tanner Hall; Bldg. Evacuated [1:40 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's Office of Public Safety is reporting that a bomb threat has been called into Tanner Hall on the WIU-Macomb campus. Tanner Hall has been evacuated, according to Director of Public Safety Robert Fitzgerald.
The threat was called to the Tanner Hall clerk's office at approximately 1:14 p.m. today (Nov. 4). The threat referenced the ninth floor. Police officers responded to the scene and an investigation is underway.
Classes will be held as scheduled this evening. WIU Vice President of Administrative Services Jackie Thompson noted that students, faculty and staff should remain aware of their surroundings.
Fitzgerald noted that are no further details at this point and more information will be posted at wiu.edu as it becomes available.
On Oct. 25, a bomb threat was called into the clerk's office during the late afternoon hours. The building was evacuated, and Cameron McKoy, 18, of 911 Tanner Hall, was arrested on charges of transmitting a threat of destruction to a school. Specially-trained canines and their handlers from the Adams County Sheriff's Department and Rock Island County Sheriff's Department conducted a search of Tanner Hall and students were allowed to re-enter the building at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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