A bomb threat in Iḷisaġvik College in Utqiaġvik caused students and staff to evacuate Monday. No one was hurt, college officials said.
The college received a threat notification after lunch, college spokesperson Asisaun Toovak said. It wasn’t clear as of 4 p.m. on Monday how many people evacuated and how the North Slope Borough Police responded.
“We take safety of our employees and students seriously and are working closely with the North Slope Borough Police Department to ensure we follow protocol,” College President Justina Wilhelm said.
North Slope Borough officials said they cannot answer questions about the threat yet.
“I understand the urgency,” said borough spokesperson Araina Danner. “However, because it is an ongoing situation, we (North Slope Borough) are unable to comment at this time.”
The bomb threat and evacuation come a few days after a fire that happened near the college, causing students and staff to evacuate.
“We are a close family at Iḷisaġvik and it has been stressful but also not because I see how hard everyone work together to make sure we are all in a safe environment,” Toovak said.