University of Chicago Cancels Classes after FBI Warning

The University of Chicago has canceled all Monday classes after school officials were informed by the federal authorities of a potential gun-violence threat.

The FBI had told the university that someone made a threat to the college community, prompting the school to shut down all activities at Hype Park campus.

A part of University President Robert J. Zimmer's statement read:

"The University was informed by FBI counterterrorism officials today (Sunday) that an unknown individual posted an online threat of gun violence against the University of Chicago, specifically mentioning 'the campus quad' on Monday morning at 10 a.m. Based on the FBI's assessment of this threat and recent tragic events at other campuses across the country, we have decided in consultation with federal and local law enforcement officials, to exercise caution by canceling all classes and activities on the Hyde Park campus through midnight on Monday."

The statement continued, stating that the university has increased the amount of police and security officers, many of whom are visibly armed, on campus.

"The University will have an increased police and security presence on and around campus, including police personnel with visible weapons and other additional measures. University security personnel are keeping in close contact with the FBI, which is continuing to investigate the threat," Zimmer said.

The school also closed down the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, the University of Chicago Charter School campuses, the school's libraries, the Quandrangle club, the Student Health and Counseling Services and other school buildings.

The University of Chicago Medical Center has not been shut down but there will be added security measures.

Over the past few weeks, there have been several threats made to different college campuses across the United States.