Photo: Kyle Bray/WBZ NewsRadio
SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Students at Salem State University are reacting after experiencing a chaotic start to the school year, following a hoax bomb threat that was made on a dorm building.
"It was certainly a memorable first day," Alex, a first-year student, said.
According to a social media post from the university, one of the community members received a message about a possible bomb threat in Marsh Hall, located on the central campus. University police, along with the City of Salem Police and Massachusetts State Police, responded to the incident, evacuating the building before launching an investigation.
Lain, a freshman, said the experience was a lot to process for her first day as a college student.
"I had just gotten moved in. I had barely been settled, like, that was really scary. And I'm glad it was a hoax, and I hope that something like this doesn't happen again to anyone," Lain stated.
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Salem State University President John Keenan addressed the incident in a letter to the community, stating the hoax was sent by a Salem State student who was off campus at the time. The student was apprehended after confessing and has since been barred from attending classes, university activities, or entering the campus. They may also face criminal charges.
Mental health resources were provided to the students and staff members for the unsettling incident. Community members were also encouraged to register for the SSU Alert messages to stay informed during emergencies.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Kyle Bray (@KyleBrayWBZ) reports.