University of Chicago cancels Monday classes after counterterrorism alert from FBI

Classes at the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus will be suspended on Monday after counterterrorism officials at the FBI warned of a credible threat of gun violence from an unknown individual or group.

According to NBC News Chicago, university President Robert Zimmer notified students, faculty and staff on Sunday in an emergency email that all campus classes, meetings and activities on campus will be canceled through midnight on Monday, Nov. 30.

"The University was informed by FBI counterterrorism officials today (Sunday) that an unknown individual posted an online threat of gun violence against the University of Chicago, specifically mentioning 'the campus quad' on Monday morning at 10 a.m.," wrote Zimmer.

The letter continued, "Based on the FBI’s assessment of this threat and recent tragic events at other campuses across the country, we have decided in consultation with federal and local law enforcement officials, to exercise caution by canceling all classes and activities on the Hyde Park campus through midnight on Monday. All non-medical faculty, students and non-essential staff are asked not to come to the Hyde Park campus on Monday, or to remain indoors as much as possible if they are on campus. Students in College Housing are asked to stay indoors and await direct communication from College Housing Staff."

He went on to inform students that in response to the threat, police presence on campus will be stepped up, with officers displaying visible weapons "and other additional measures."

The Chicago Sun-Times said, "The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, the university libraries, the Quadrangle Club and other campus facilities will also be closed Monday. The University of Chicago Medical Center will remain open to patients with added security measures, Zimmer wrote. Students were told to consult csl.uchicago.edu for additional information."

Normal operations are expected to resume at the university on Tuesday.