Full Breakdown
CU Boulder Evacuates Buildings Amid Unconfirmed Bomb Threat
9/13/2025, 12:21:02 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 12, 2025, the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) experienced an evacuation of three buildings due to an unconfirmed bomb threat. The affected buildings included Norlin Library, Ketchum Arts and Sciences, and the Ramaley Biology Building. The evacuation order was initiated around noon, following a campus emergency alert issued by CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD).
Timeline of Events
- 11:20 a.m.: University police dispatch received the unconfirmed bomb threat regarding Norlin Library.
- 12:02 p.m.: Evacuations of Norlin Library, Ketchum Arts and Sciences, and Ramaley Biology began.
- 12:10 p.m.: CUPD confirmed the threat was unverified and deployed K-9 units to search the buildings.
- 1:14 p.m.: The evacuation order was lifted for Ketchum and Ramaley, allowing classes to resume. Norlin Library remained closed for the day, with police escorting students to retrieve personal belongings.
Official Statements & Responses
CUPD reported that the bomb threat was determined to be false, and no injuries occurred during the incident. They emphasized that classes in unaffected buildings continued as scheduled. The university also provided support services for students and staff, with counselors available in the University Memorial Center until 4 p.m. on the day of the incident.
Background & Context
This incident follows a series of security scares in Boulder, including a previous evacuation of Norlin Library on August 25 due to a swatting incident that falsely reported shots fired. Additionally, on September 11, Fairview High School and Southern Hills Middle School were placed on lockdown due to a report of an armed man, which was later identified as a runner wearing a weighted vest.
Criticism & Opposition
While no formal criticisms were noted in the immediate aftermath of the incident, the repeated security threats on campus have raised concerns among students and faculty regarding safety protocols and the psychological impact of such events on the university community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some reports did not clarify whether any arrests were made in connection with the bomb threat investigation. Additionally, there was no information provided on the legitimacy of the threat itself, leaving some uncertainty surrounding the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “CUPD determined the bomb threat was false, and the evacuation order was lifted at 1:14 p.m. and no injuries were reported,” — CU Boulder Police Department
- “This is the second time this school year that students and staff have been asked to avoid the area of Norlin Library.” — CU Boulder Police Department
The swift response by CU Boulder Police and the subsequent lifting of the evacuation order allowed for a relatively quick return to normalcy on campus, although the frequency of such incidents continues to be a point of concern for the university community.
