Letter to Hon. Merrick Garland, Attorney General Department of Justice, Hon. Christopher A. Wray, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation- As HBCUs Continue to Face Violent Threats, Wicker, Warnock Make Bipartisan Call for FBI and DOJ to Prioritize Investigation, Provide Updates

Letter

Dear Attorney General Garland and Director Wray,

We write to ask for continued updates and prioritization of the investigation into the ongoing bomb threats made against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Over the last month, we have witnessed an alarming pattern of bomb threats issued against HBCUs. On January 5, 2022, at least eight HBCUs across the country received bomb threats, including Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Within a month of the first round of threats, on January 31, at least six other HBCUs received bomb threats. One day later, at the start of Black History Month, reports suggested that over a dozen HBCUs had received threats. In Mississippi, five HBCUs reported these threats, including Mississippi State Valley University, Alcon University, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and Rust College. In Georgia, three HBCUs have been targeted: Fort Valley State University, Spelman College, and Albany State University.

While no bombs have been found at these institutions thus far, the threats have caused significant disruption and distress for students, faculty, and staff. That some of these threats have coincided with the start of Black History Month only adds to the terror at these universities and surrounding campuses.

We were glad to see the FBI's statement on February 2nd that the investigation is of the highest priority. As voices for Georgia and Mississippi in the U.S. Senate--and one of us being an HBCU graduate--this investigation is our utmost priority, as well. We ask that you and your staff provide continuous updates on this deeply concerning and critical issue as the investigation continues. We also ask that you and your staff, to the extent practicable, update HBCUs on the investigation and any future threats.

Thank you for your immediate consideration and ongoing efforts. We look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

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