MSU Bomb Threat Update: ‘No imminent threat found’

No imminent threat was found in connection to a bomb threat at Minnesota State University, but the buildings will remain closed, according to emails from school administrators.

MSU President Edward Inch addressed the threat in separate, but similar, emails sent to students and staff late Friday morning.

At 5 a.m. Friday, a Star Alert was sent through the university’s texting system, informing students and staff that Armstrong Hall and Otto Recreation Center would be closed until further notice due to the threat.

In an email alert sent minutes later, Brian Martensen, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs said all employees in the Otto and Armstrong buildings should plan to work from home on Friday.

Inch says law enforcement searched both buildings and found “no imminent threat.” However, out of an “abundance of caution,” Armstrong Hall and Otto Recreation Center will remain closed, and the university will send communication when those buildings reopen, according to Inch’s email.

Events and classes scheduled throughout the rest of campus will resume as scheduled.  “We have no indication that other buildings on campus are impacted,” says the email from Dr. Inch.

“These types of situations can be stressful and challenging,” Dr. Inch wrote.  He referred staff to employee medical plans and reminded students of available counseling services.

Mankato DPS spokesman Dan Schisel confirmed Friday that his department had responded to the bomb threat at 11:20 p.m. Thursday night.  He said no one was in custody in relation to the incident, and the investigation continues.

Anyone with information or questions is asked to contact University Security at (507) 389-2111.