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Harvard University evacuated four buildings on Monday after announcing that it had received "unconfirmed reports" of explosives at four locations.
No explosions were reported after what Harvard called a "bomb threat" on its official Twitter account. After extensive searches failed to turn up any physical threat, all four buildings were re-opened.
The incident disrupted life on campus during the busy pre-holiday period. Some final exams were canceled and portions of the campus were ruled out of bounds.
Harvard's police force received the original communication about an explosive, according to the campus paper. A team from the Department of Homeland Security joined state and local agencies in the subsequent search.
CPD deputy says original tip about unconfirmed explosives came into HUPD; CPD was contacted by HUPD after. More @thecrimson
— The Harvard Crimson (@thecrimson) December 16, 2013
President Barack Obama was briefed about the situation, the White House said.
The evacuations were made at just after 9am ET. The four buildings – Science Center, Thayer, Sever, and Emerson – are near each other at the heart of campus. Evacuated students were moved to a hall across the street from the Science Center. Two buildings, Thayer and Emerson halls, were reopened just before 1pm ET, and the other two just over an hour later.
Students have filled Annenberg Hall after being evacuated this morning due to bomb threats. More @thecrimson pic.twitter.com/sC1WiU3hnJ
— The Harvard Crimson (@thecrimson) December 16, 2013
Harvard's emergency response website said the evacuations had been called "out of an abundance of caution."
Top university administrators, including Harvard president Drew Faust, appeared on the scene to visit students who had been evacuated. Some students expressed frustration at the exam cancellations on Twitter.
WHAT THE HELL I STUDIED FOR A DAMN WEEK FOR THIS FINAL
— Danny Banks (@dannyvbanks) December 16, 2013
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