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Point Loma Nazarene University classes canceled due to FBI investigation into possible threat

Posted at 8:53 AM, Oct 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-25 20:23:25-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A possible threat to Point Loma Nazarene University forced school officials to cancel all classes at all of its campuses Thursday.

In a post on the school’s Facebook page, officials said they “received information from the FBI about a possible threat to a PLNU campus. The FBI is investigating. PLNU is working with both the FBI and SDPD.”

Schools spokeswoman Jill Monroe told 10News the threat was made online and was considered serious enough to move forward with the closure of all satellite campuses, including the Bakersfield location.

Officials added: “All non-supervisory employees are dismissed. All services are closed. Residential students should return and remain in residence halls until further notice.”

The FBI released this statement regarding their investigation:

“In the early morning hours on October 25, 2018, the FBI became aware of a possible threat to Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego, CA. Initial information received indicated non-specific comments were made regarding PLNU. Immediately, upon notification of the potential threat, our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) engaged with our federal, state and local partners to investigate. At the same time, the JTTF made immediate notification to Point Loma Nazarene University - Public Safety. At this time, the JTTF is actively working to determine the veracity of the comments made regarding Point Loma Nazarene University. However, the investigation to date has determined that this is not an active shooter threat.”

Several students told 10News the word they'd received from their residence hall administrators was that a non-student boyfriend of a female student at the Point Loma Campus had threatened to kill her. The students alleged he made the threat while he was playing an online video game.

"I'm just keeping whoever is threatened in our prayers, and making sure that they are okay, hoping for the best for them," sophomore student, Cooper Root said.

Monroe said she could not corroborate or confirm the students’ accounts. She added the schools does not know the identity of the person who made the threat but is working closely with police and the FBI to gather more information.