UCLA classes held remotely as police investigate threats from ex-lecturer with Duke ties

A professor accused of making threats against the University of California, Los Angeles, has ties to Durham.

The Los Angeles Times reports Matthew Harris, a postdoctoral fellow and former lecturer at UCLA, sent a video to members of the university's philosophy department on Monday. The video mentioned a mass shooting and featured an "800-page manifesto with specific threats against department members," according to the LA Times, which acquired the emails.

Harris completed his dissertation at Duke University, according to the UCLA website.

A spokesperson from UCLA released the following statement:

"The UCLA Police Department is aware of a concerning email and posting sent to some members of the UCLA community today and actively engaged with out-of-state law enforcement and federal agencies. We will keep the community informed as we learn more."

According to a banner at the top of the university's website, UCLA classes will be held remotely on Tuesday "out of an abundance of caution."