FBI finds juvenile responsible for more than 50 racially-motivated threats against HBCUs, churches

A national search led by the FBI uncovered that one juvenile, a male, is believed to be responsible for most of the threats. Because of his status as a minor, the person's name was not released and information was limited.

The FBI said more than 50 HBCUs, houses of worship, and other faith-based and academic institutions across the country have received racially-motivated threats of violence in 2022. North Carolina Central University, Fayetteville State University and Elizabeth City State University were all impacted by threats.

Early in the investigation, several minors were believed to be responsible for the first set of threats made between Jan. 4 and Feb. 1. Further FBI investigation identified one juvenile believed to be responsible. The juvenile is under restrictions and authorities are monitoring his online activity.

Other unrelated threats targeting HBCUs from Feb. 8 and March 2 appeared to have come from overseas along with another set which began June 7. The second set involved more than 250 colleges, including seven HBCUs, over 100 high schools and two junior high schools receiving bomb and/or active shooter threats. The FBI is continuing to investigate those sets of threats.

The FBI worked with the Department of Justice and state prosecutors. The Department of Justice has worked with other agencies to hold the minor accountable.