On June 11, 2025, at 1:32 p.m., the Auburn University Regional Airport received a bomb threat. Fortunately, law enforcement quickly decided the threat was not credible. The Auburn Police Department closed the case, and the university chose not to issue an AU Alert since there was no immediate danger.
Details about the suspect or their motives remain unclear. However, a report indicated that “hate bias” was not involved, classifying the victim as a “government” entity.
Jennifer Adams, the Executive Director of Public Affairs, explained the situation: “We can confirm there was a possible threat at the airport. An AU Alert was not necessary because law enforcement found no imminent danger to the campus and community. Our police and safety teams were in constant contact with the airport staff.”
The AU Alert system is designed to notify students and faculty of emergencies via email, text, and calls. These notifications go out automatically to university email addresses and designated cell phones. Affiliates and parents are encouraged to register for additional messages.
Woods, a representative from the university, elaborated on when an AU Alert is necessary. “Alerts are issued when there is a confirmed threat to safety. In this case, law enforcement determined there was no active threat, so an alert wasn’t required.” This process follows the guidelines of the Jeanne Clery Act, which mandates that universities notify their communities about threats.
According to the Clery Center, the Clery Act requires colleges receiving federal funding to report crime on campus. Institutions must issue timely warnings or emergency notifications if there is an immediate threat to the community.
Interestingly, there has been a noticeable increase in bomb threats at airports. According to a 2023 report by the FBI, bomb threats have risen by 25% compared to previous years. Experts urge airports and universities to enhance their safety protocols, noting that rapid communication is crucial during such events.
Despite the lack of an AU Alert in this instance, the threat was logged in the Auburn University Crime Log. This serves as a reminder that safety must always be prioritized, even in cases where threats are deemed not credible.
Understanding these protocols helps students, faculty, and parents stay informed. It also highlights the importance of timely communication during crises, which continues to evolve with recent trends in safety and emergency responses.
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