A bomb threat was called into the LGBTQ+ Student Center in the Student Union on Wednesday afternoon, according to Assistant Chief David Carlisle of the Department of Public Safety.
The USC community received a TrojanAlert message regarding the threat shortly after 2:30 p.m. The bomb threat was later determined to be false by LAPD. At 3:03 p.m., a message was sent by TrojanAlert stating it was “safe to return to the building.”
Carlisle said that the source of the threat is still unknown and that sharing any further details could “jeopardize the investigation.”
“DPS will be documenting the incident and be working closely with LAPD to investigate the crime,” Carlisle added.
When asked about LAPD’s role in the investigation, LAPD Media Relations said that LAPD is offering “mutual aid” but directed any further questions about the investigation to USC DPS.
Students and university staff evacuated the building as LAPD investigated the threat. Dozens of individuals were seen standing near the Shumway Fountain in Hahn Plaza.
During the threat, two white DPS vehicles were stationed outside the Student Union building at the northeast corner. Three additional vehicles were parked at the southwest corner of the building, and yellow caution tape blocked off some pathways in the area. Security officials were set up at building entrances, turning individuals away.
In late September, the university hid classroom locations for Gender and Sexuality Studies from the public view due to safety concerns, despite no previous reports of rising hostilities towards gender-focused studies students.
As of publication, the university had not responded regarding specific steps being taken to protect LBGTQ+ students in the wake of the threat.
Additional reporting by Constanza Montemayor and Karan Lodha.