U.S. Attorney Hickton Statement on Bomb Threats to University of Pittsburgh Facilities

PITTSBURGH—David J. Hickton, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, issued the following statement today on the bomb threats that have been disrupting the University of Pittsburgh community since mid-February:

“The safety and welfare of the University of Pittsburgh community is a top priority. The bomb threats since February 13, 2012 are being vigorously, aggressively, and thoroughly investigated through every possible means. The Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the University of Pittsburgh Police as a productive, contributing member, is actively pursuing the source or sources of these threats.

“While the disruption and fear engendered by such threats is unconscionable, we commend the resilience of the University community. The University of Pittsburgh is exercising appropriate regard for safety, through its notification system and through evacuations when threats are received and evaluated, while refusing to allow such threats to paralyze the entire University community in its pursuit of learning and teaching.

“We cannot comment upon the specifics of the investigation, but we will continue to work cooperatively and aggressively in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and the FBI to investigate this criminal activity and to enforce the law.

“If you have any information which may assist the investigation, please contact the FBI at 412-432-4000.”