FORT SMITH, Ark. — Early Friday morning, a bomb threat prompted the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS) to evacuate every campus building. University officials announced the evacuation after receiving the threat, and campus police immediately began coordinating a response.
Police response and safety measures
University police confirmed that the threat has not been deemed credible. Officers are currently clearing the Stubblefield Center, the main academic building on campus, to ensure there are no hazards. While the building is being inspected, students living in on‑campus housing have been instructed to shelter in place until further notice.
The university’s emergency operations center activated its standard protocol for potential threats. Campus alerts were sent via text, email, and the university’s notification system, directing students, faculty, and staff to leave classrooms and gather at designated assembly points away from the buildings.
Impact on campus activities
All classes, office hours, and scheduled events were suspended for the duration of the evacuation. The university has not released a timeline for when normal operations will resume, pending the completion of police clearance and any additional safety assessments.
University spokespersons emphasized that the safety of students, faculty, and staff remains the top priority. They urged anyone with information about the threat to contact campus police immediately.
Background on campus safety protocols
UAFS, like many higher‑education institutions, maintains a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes coordination with local law‑enforcement agencies, the Arkansas State Police, and the Fort Smith Police Department. The plan outlines procedures for evacuations, shelter‑in‑place orders, and communication with the campus community during potential threats.
Students are reminded to stay informed through official university channels and to follow all instructions from campus police and university officials during emergencies.
Next steps
Police will continue to sweep the Stubblefield Center and any other areas identified as part of the threat investigation. Once the area is declared safe, the university will provide updates on the resumption of classes and the status of campus facilities.
Members of the Fort Smith community are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
