UPDATE: October 17, 4:40 a.m.: KC police say members from the Bomb and Arson unit, the K9 unit, along with Rockhurst security conducted a search of the campus and determined it to be safe.
Police in Kansas City, Missouri, evacuated Rockhurst University on Wednesday as they investigated a bomb threat.
According to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, it received the threat about 6:15 p.m.
KCPD officers were working with police from the university to search the area for potentially explosive or suspicious objects.
The campus was evacuated and no one was allowed back on until police completed their search.
The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church was providing students who live on campus a warm place to stay while they waited for an all clear.
KCPD Explosive Detection K-9 officers were also called to the scene to assist.
Rockhurst sent the following email to students and staff:
Rockhurst Companions,
As you know from our emergency alert communications, our campus received a bomb threat at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday evening. Campus was notified via a Rock Alert text message to evacuate all buildings. Kansas City, Missouri Police officers arrived on the scene and worked with Rockhurst Security officers to search the area for any potentially explosive or suspicious objects.
To safely conduct the search, access to campus and some surrounding streets has been limited. KCPD Explosive detection K9 officers are conducting a search of campus buildings. The timeframe to complete this process is unknown and no one will be able to return to their campus housing or any other buildings until the KCPD has given the all clear.
We understand that this situation can be stressful for those who were here or heard the news. Please be assured that KCPD and Rockhurst Security are being very thorough and that we will let you know as soon as possible when it is safe to return to normal activities.
Please continue to monitor your email and Rock Alerts for updates.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
—
