Bomb threat at Adrian College was a hoax, authorities say

ADRIAN, Mich. — Adrian College returned to normal operations on Friday after a bomb threat authorities later determined to be a hoax forced students and staff to shelter in place for hours.

The threat, sent via email around 8:30 a.m., specifically targeted the Ward Admissions House on the eastern side of campus. Adrian police and Michigan State Police responded swiftly, sweeping the building with bomb-sniffing K-9s.

“We’re very fortunate to have been alerted,” said Frank Hribar, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “Michigan State Police cybersecurity jumped into action and identified that this was a foreign or overseas chatbot server used for this hoax.”

As a precaution, the area between Williams Street and College Avenue was closed and those nearby were asked to remain in place.

“We’re grateful for the local law enforcement emergency response and thank goodness this ends with us being very proud of the kind of action we took to keep our campus safe,” Hribar added.

Authorities gave the all-clear at approximately 11:50 a.m. after determining the threat was not credible.

Hribar noted that while similar hoaxes have occurred in the past, such incidents test the college’s emergency response protocols.

“Even in a situation like this — albeit a hoax — it’s an opportunity to put those protocols into place and watch our teams execute accordingly,” he said.

Police have not identified any suspects but confirmed the email originated from an overseas server.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Adrian College’s Campus Safety Department at 517-265-5161 ext. 4333 or call 911.