US EditionVillanova University closes campus due to 'threat,' school says
Officials canceled all classes and activities, advised students to stay in residence halls, and increased police presence while the FBI investigates the threat, which affects two universities.
- On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Villanova University closed its campus after a threat targeted an academic building, alerting the community at 7:20 a.m. while the FBI and Public Safety investigate.
- In recent years, universities have increasingly moved quickly to close campuses, and two U.S. universities closed their campuses Thursday after receiving credible threats, including Villanova University.
- A small number of buildings stayed open while police presence increased, residential students remained in residence halls, off‑campus students were advised to stay away, and no injuries were reported Thursday morning.
- University officials canceled classes and activities for the day out of an abundance of caution, told all faculty and staff not to report to campus, and scheduled a 9 a.m. update.
- This is not the first recent threat at Villanova, which locked down last August during orientation after a hoax, and officials said at least one other university received a similar threat as investigations continue.
21 Articles
21 Articles
4 Campuses Targeted in Latest Rash of Swatting Calls
At least four campuses on Thursday received swatting calls—false reports of active or impending threats intended to disrupt operations and whip up a significant police response. Early Thursday morning, officials at Villanova University outside Philadelphia received a “threat of violence targeted at an academic building” and quickly closed their campus and canceled all activities. University officials issued an all clear at 1:36 p.m. on Thursday …
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa.- Villanova University issued a statement assuring that it is now safe to be on campus.
Marietta Daily Journal
The Indiana Gazette OnlineVillanova University reported that residents no longer need to remain inside the buildings after receiving a threat of violence on Thursday.
Villanova University says its campus is safe after investigating threat to academic building
Villanova University canceled classes and activities Thursday after receiving a threat of violence against an academic building. At 11 a.m., school officials said it was safe for students to leave their residence halls.
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