University of Virginia says no bomb found, other universities receive threats

"The threat was determined to be a hoax possibly linked to a series of similar threats sent to Virginia colleges on Friday," a UVA spokesperson said

Published: March 13, 2026 12:20pm

Updated: March 13, 2026 2:52pm

The University of Virginia said Friday that no bomb was found by police after a threat was made regarding a campus library, but other universities in the commonwealth also receive bomb threats.

"The threat was determined to be a hoax possibly linked to a series of similar threats sent to Virginia colleges on Friday," a UVA spokesperson said, VPM reported.

UVA said earlier Friday that police were investigating a bomb threat on campus and that two libraries had been evacuated.

A UVA emergency alert sent Friday at 10:50 a.m. reported a bomb threat at Edgar Shannon Library, and said to avoid the area, the university's Calvalier Daily reported.

UVA police were on the scene investigating, and Shannon and Clemons libraries were evacuated. 

The libraries reopened around 1:45 p.m. after police determined the scene was safe.

George Mason University and Bridgewater College also received bomb threats, according to the schools, which were evacuated during the investigations.

Bridgewater College officials said that the threat had been cleared as of 1:59 p.m., and no device was found.

The threats follow Thursday's fatal shooting at Old Dominion University.

“The University is asking for some manpower at Shannon Library,” the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA Police scanner reported at 11:10 a.m. “It doesn’t matter if they are plain clothes or in uniform.”

UVA spokesperson Bethanie Glover told the newspaper at 11:29 a.m. that police are responding to the threat and a “thorough investigation” is underway. Glover added that the area should continue to be avoided.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News