Update on this morning’s emergency alerts

January 21, 2022 8:21 a.m.

Early this morning, the University received anonymous phone calls with shooting-related threats. An emergency shelter-in-place message was sent while University Police and Winston-Salem Police investigated the threat. At 5 a.m., an all-clear message was shared as the call was determined to be a hoax.

It is safe for students, faculty and staff to resume regular activities. Classes will be held on a normal, in-person schedule, and all student services will be open.

Police will continue to investigate the threat, which appeared to be a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to dispatch a large number of armed police officers around campus. These “swatting” calls cause great distress among those who are affected by them. Recently, the Winston-Salem Police Department and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office have responded to similar incidents with no identified threats.

Local law enforcement are working with federal and state officials to identify the callers who made the threats. Nationally, many colleges and universities have received threats since November 2021, prompting lockdowns and evacuations.

Out of an abundance of caution, University Police will staff and close the gates to campus over the weekend. Winston-Salem Police have increased patrols on campus and in the surrounding area.

The University’s first concern is for our community. This hoax disrupted the sense of safety for our students, faculty and staff and will have affected each one of us differently. Wake Forest offers a variety of support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff.

The following University resources are available for confidential information and support:

• For counseling, students can reach the University Counseling Center at 336-758-5273. TimelyCare, a 24/7 resource at timelycare.com/wakeforest, is also available.
• Faculty and staff can use the Employee Assistance Program by calling 336-716-5493.
• The Office of the Chaplain is available to all members of our community at 336-758-5017.

Students, faculty and staff are asked to stay alert and report anything suspicious. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to contact University Police at 336-758-5911 or the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700.